Beautiful Istanbul: photos of attractions with descriptions. Open left menu Istanbul Map in Russian

Istanbul is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The abundance of historical monuments, magnificent palaces, ancient mosques, coupled with a mild subarctic climate and an atmosphere permeated with notes of oriental exoticism, make it incredibly attractive for tourists.

Istanbul is surrounded from the north and south by the Black and Marmara seas, and The Bosphorus Strait divides the city across into the Asian, or Anatolian, and younger, European parts. According to 2011 data, the population of the city, together with residents of the suburbs, is almost 13.5 million people.

The tourist mecca for newcomers is mainly the areas of the European part of the city. Ilche ​​(municipal areas) are especially popular among visitors. Fatih and Beyoglu.

1. On the territory of Fatih, the center of ancient Constantinople, there are Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern.
2. Beyoglu, also known as Pera, is famous for Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, many mosques, synagogues and Christian churches.

1 Turkish lira (TL) = $0.30

That is why those who come to Istanbul for the first time are recommended to stay within their borders: in hotels near Sultanahmet, Laleli, Gulhane or Aksaray stations, close to the most important attractions.

The city's attractions

There are a lot of interesting and beautiful places in Turkey where every tourist wants to go. We have prepared small guide to Istanbul with the most significant attractions that you must visit. Photos and descriptions are attached to each object.

It is unlikely that you will be able to see the entire city in 3-5 days, but you can still see most of its beauties.

Sultanahmet Meydani is the key square of Istanbul; getting here is not difficult even for an inexperienced tourist.

Or Hagia Sophia (Aysofya Meydani), a wonderful monument of Byzantine architecture. Its construction was completed in 537. For almost a thousand years, the temple remained the largest Christian shrine.

In 1453, it remained perhaps the only undestroyed cathedral in Constantinople captured by the Turks. Sultan Mahmed Fatih the Conqueror ordered it to be converted into the Hagia Sophia Mosque, and later four minarets were added to the main building. After the Ottoman Empire ceased to exist, Hagia Sophia opened its doors to visitors as a museum.

Hagia Sophia is visible to everyone who arrives at Sultanahmet Square. He open to the public daily, from April 15 to the end of September, open from 9:00 to 19:00, during the rest of the year - from 9:00 to 17:00.

Ticket price: 40TL.

(Sultanahmet Camii), or Blue Mosque, according to the plan of Sultan Ahmet I, who ordered its construction, should surpass in size and outshine Hagia Sophia, which stands opposite. Construction lasted seven years and was completed by 1616, causing a scandal in religious circles: due to a misunderstanding, six minarets were built, like the main shrine in Mecca, instead of four.

It is free to visit and is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30. Please note that tourists are not allowed inside during prayers; It is also necessary to comply with the dress code: no exposed shoulders, bellies or knees; women must wear a headdress.

Before entering the mosque, you must take off your shoes and put them in a bag.

Basilica Cistern, or Yerebatan Sarnici, former reservoir in the center of Istanbul, can hold up to one hundred thousand tons of water. It was built by the Byzantines to use water during long sieges of the city. Since 1987, the place has been transformed into an unusual museum.

The traveler goes down the stairs and finds himself in a echoing spacious hall filled with rows of antique columns supporting the ceiling. To move around the hall, wooden flooring was built: the floor is hidden by water flowing into the dungeon; fish splash in it and the light is mirrored, illuminating the columns. Thanks to excellent acoustics, classical music concerts are held here.

The entrance to the Basilica is a small pavilion - easy to find near Hagia Sophia. The museum is open in summer from 9:00 to 18:30, in winter - an hour shorter.

Ticket price: 20TL.

Topkapi and Gulhane Park

The next metro station after Sultanahmet is Gulhane, where those wishing to visit Topkapi Palace get off, which served as the residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire before the construction of Dolmabehce, that is, from 1540 to the mid-19th century.

In 1923, by order of Ataturk, the palace began to be used as a museum. Topkapi is incredibly popular among tourists. Who isn’t interested in looking at the private quarters of the sultans of their harem?

A ticket to the palace costs 40TL, together with a tour of the harem - 65TL.

In the summer, Topkapi is open from 9:00 to 19:00, in the winter - from 9:00 to 17:00.

Through Topkapi Palace you can get to another interesting place - Gulhane Park(Gulhane Parki). It is especially interesting in April, when thousands of tulips are blooming. In summer, pink bushes will delight the eye. During the reconstruction of the park in 2003, 80,000 rose seedlings were planted here!

If you follow the dark blue metro line further from Gulhane and exit at Eminenu, you will only have to walk a couple of steps to the stunning Suleymaniye Camil Mosque with its austere luxury. The complex not only amazes with its mesmerizing beauty, but also amazes with the durability of its structure. Sulaymaniyah has withstood 89 major earthquakes!

Sulaymaniyah is open from 9:00 to 17:00, every day except Friday. The best time to visit is from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 13:45 to 15:45.

As in any mosque, non-believers are not allowed inside during prayers.

Beyoglu Main Square

A visit to the Beyoğlu region begins from Taksim Meydani Square. Despite its peaceful name (“taksim” translates as “division”), the spirit of revolution hovers over the square. Here, at the foot of the monument in honor of the proclamation of Turkey as a Republic, the political life of the city is in full swing. It is on Taksim that demonstrations and rallies take place.

In addition to its important historical role in the life of the city, Taksim is a transport hub. Many bus routes pass through the square, there is one of the metro stations and an underground boiler line connecting Taksim with the Cabotage pier.

1. Getting to Taksim Square from Sabiha Gokcen Airport The easiest way is by Havatash buses. The trip will take 1.5 hours excluding traffic jams.
2. From Ataturk Airport There are also regular bus services to Taksim. Another convenient way to get there is to take the metro at Havaliman station, follow the red line to Yenikapi station, where you need to change to the green line, going directly to Taksim.

From Taksim you can take the retro tram to the Odakule stop. Here visitors can get acquainted with the private art museum of Pera, opened under the patronage of the influential Kirach family. The museum is located on the top five floors of the former Bristol Hotel. Visitors celebrate Refined taste in the preparation of exhibitions by staff, as well as a comfortable intimate atmosphere. The museum has a souvenir shop and a cozy cafe. According to legend, intelligence agents from all countries participating in World War II stayed at the former hotel.

The museum is open every day except Mondays and on the first days of major religious holidays. From Tuesday to Saturday: from 12:00 to 8:00, on Sunday: from 12:00 to 18:00.

Ticket price: 20TL, for beneficiaries -10TL. On Fridays from 8:00 to 22:00 admission is free.

Dolmabahce - a masterpiece of Turkish Baroque

Dolmabahce Palace, now a museum, was built from 1842 to 1853. By the 19th century, representatives of the nobility of the Ottoman Empire developed a certain interest in the achievements of the West. Sultan Abdulmecid 1 wanted the new palace complex to be built in a modern and brilliant Baroque style. The construction of the complex cost the Sultan a tidy sum: 14 tons of gold were spent on finishing the interiors! Among other things, the walls of the palace were decorated with paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky.

You can come and see how the last sultans lived on any day except Monday and Thursday. The museum is open from 9:00 to 16:00.

Independent inspection of the museum's exhibition is completely excluded - only in groups accompanied by a guide. The cost of a full excursion ticket will be 40TL, a separate visit to selamlika (the male part) and the harem will cost 30TL and 20TL respectively.

You can find the palace museum a 10-minute walk from the pier and the Kabatash metro station of the same name, moving along the Bosphorus coastline away from the center.

About the Anatolian part of Istanbul

Those who are visiting Istanbul not for the first time will be interested in visiting it Asian, Anatolian, part. First of all, the Kadikoy district, where the tart, authentic atmosphere of the eastern city has been preserved. From the European part people arrive here by boat or by Havatas minibus from Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

The first settlements on the site of Kadikoy were founded by the Dorians in 608 BC, so this area is the oldest in Istanbul. Experienced travelers recommend taking a walk along the streets of Sogultu Cesme, ending with Altiyol Square with the famous statue of the Bull (by Jules Bonheur), Ali Suavi (Street of Craftsmen), which fully lives up to its name with many shops and workshops. And, of course, you can’t miss getting to know Moda Street, popular with local bohemians.

In other areas of the Asian part there are not as many attractions as in the European part; the influence of Western culture is felt. In addition to Kadikoy, tourists will certainly be interested in Princes' Islands(Adalar), once a place of exile for nobles disliked by the court, and today a place with a developed club infrastructure.

Istanbul Map

Several maps necessary for tourists (clickable):

City map with attractions

Map in Russian

Istanbul metro map

Watch the video, where you will find even more attractions of Istanbul:

Total 62 photos

Now the Sultanahmet district is an undisputed landmark of Istanbul. However, in Byzantine Constantinople, as a territory, it was no less, but rather more remarkable and significant for history buffs. Sultanahmet is located in the historical center of the city. The large square of the center of Istanbul conventionally consists of two parts: the square between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (in the title photo) and the Hippodrome Square itself (At Meydanı), where ancient columns and obelisks erected in the Byzantine period have been preserved to this day. and also the German Fountain, presented to the city and Sultan Abdul Hamid II by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The square was named after the Sultan Akhmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), located right there. Although Sultanahmet Square does not officially exist, everyone always knows what it is about.

Nowadays, the second part of Sultanahmet Square is mainly called the Hippodrome or Hippodrome Square. In general, by and large, Sultanahmet is a part of the landmass of the cape between the Golden Horn Bay, the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of ​​Marmara. We will learn about the historical center of Istanbul, which is the most concentrated in terms of attractions, and not only take a walk there, but also present for ourselves a short guide to the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, which will be useful to those who find themselves there for the first time. I have already talked about some of these attractions, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, but soon I will tell you about others for which the time will come to make active links in the list below. By the way, without this unique table of contents, it would be difficult for me to concentrate and create for myself a target plan for future publications about historical places and monuments of Istanbul. Well, now let's plunge into this unforgettable historical context, this unique atmosphere of the ancient city - Constantinople, which calls to us in everything that was born on the site of present-day Turkish Istanbul. The call of Constantinople, Constantinople will be the very stimulus that leads me and initiates me to process all this immense material that I brought from here from my July 2017 trip.

So, Sights of the Sultanahmet square (district):

12. Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I
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Let’s not look at the map; an inquisitive mind can always do this on its own. “Let us cast our gaze” to the cape, where the first hill of the Second Rome was located. Before us is the Sultanahmet district. This is the view from Galata Hill, or rather from its highest point - the Galata Tower.
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Here it is, Sultanahmet!
Or maybe - right there - Hagia Sophia!?!
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The embankment near Gulhane Park on the spit of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus...
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Topkapi Palace. We'll soon see it all up close.
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Yes! Of course, Hagia Sophia!
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In front of us in the foreground (photo below) is the ancient shopping area of ​​Eminomu. Here we will take the city's light rail and be in the Sultanahmet area in just a few minutes.
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We got off the tram and headed towards Hippodrome Square. As they say, “there is a holiday on the street” - the anniversary of the suppression of the military mutiny in Istanbul in July 2016. It is for this reason that festive flags with the state flags of Turkey are hung everywhere. By the way, for two weekends we traveled for free on all types of public transport, including sea ferries to the Asian coast of Istanbul.
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During the Byzantine Empire, townspeople gathered here to watch sports competitions. Political meetings also took place here, which often ended in riots and fights.
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Horse racing in ancient times was extremely popular, so every more or less large ancient city had a hippodrome. In ancient Byzantium, the hippodrome was built in 203. In 330, Emperor Constantine I officially declared Byzantium the capital of the Byzantine Empire, calling it New Rome, or Constantinople. Among other transformations, large construction began to enlarge and decorate the hippodrome.
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Hippodrome foundations

The spectator stands could accommodate up to 40 thousand spectators. Now it is difficult to imagine this amazing ancient entertainment complex in this place. Only the ruins of the foundations of this majestic structure remind us of it...
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And this square is the Hippodrome. Here you can even imagine high spectator stands)
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The undoubted attraction of Istanbul is Egyptian obelisk.

The Egyptian Obelisk was erected by the Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great in 390 AD. By order of the emperor, the obelisk was delivered to Constantinople: first it was overturned onto an embankment and, after being dragged to the bank of the Nile, it was loaded onto a barge; then, having floated to Alexandria, they were loaded onto a special ship. During transportation, the obelisk was damaged, or rather, it split. So only one upper part was installed at the Hippodrome.
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The pedestal consists of two parts. The lower part is a two-tier monolith. The lower tier is a straight parallelepiped with a square at the base. The top one is a similar figure, but with a smaller square at the base and with cells cut out at the corners for cubic “crabs” made of red granite. I recommend visiting it in the evening when the lighting makes these sculptures at the base of the obelisk mysterious and “talking.”
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Behind the Egyptian oblisk is the so-called Snake Column:

Immediately behind the Snake Column is Obelisk of Constantine

Church of the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus - Little Hagia Sophia

This amazing church is located very close to Sultanahmet Square. You just need to go around Marmara University on the left and start going down to the Sea of ​​Marmara. At the same time, you can see the grandiose remains of the sfenda of the Constantinople Hippodrome - the site of the spectator stands, which were once located in a semicircular amphitheater, repeating the southwestern turn of the hippodrome running track.

The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus is one of the oldest surviving churches in Istanbul, which served as the prototype for Hagia Sophia (hence the second name - “small Hagia Sophia”). The current temple was built in 527-529. near the house where Emperor Justinian spent his youth. “Little Sophia” formed a single ensemble with the earlier Church of St. Peter and Paul, the last evidence of whose existence was destroyed by the Istanbul authorities in the 20th century. The fact that the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus was especially loved by the imperial family, as evidenced by the fact that many of the capitals bear the initials of Justinian and Theodora.

Mosaic Museum.

I was not able to visit there due to lack of time. It is located at the very “end of the Hippodrome” (as seen from Hagia Sophia) from the Obelisk of Constantine - to the left.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha. He is also waiting for us to visit) The museum is located almost opposite the obelisk of Constantine, but on the right side of the Hippodrome Square.
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Fence Blue Mosque.
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Gate of the Blue Mosque
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We walk from the Egyptian obelisk towards Hagia Sophia.
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On the left (in the photo above) we have the Blue Mosque, it is not yet visible in the frame.

In order to build a mosque on the Hippodrome Square, buildings from both the Byzantine and early Ottoman periods were destroyed. Among them were BigcastleByzantine emperors, the remains of the spectator seats of the Hippodrome and many palace buildings that belonged to the highest nobility.
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Can you imagine how big this Hippodrome was!?! All you have to do is stretch your imagination a little.
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On the opposite side of the Hippodrome Square there is the so-called.
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The fountain was gifted to the Ottoman Empire by the German Empire in memory of Kaiser Wilhelm II's second visit to Istanbul in 1898. The fountain project was developed by the architect Spitta, the construction was supervised by the architect Schoel. The fountain was constructed in Germany, then transported piece by piece to Istanbul and assembled in its modern location. It was originally planned to open the fountain on September 1, 1900, on the 25th anniversary of the accession of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, but they did not manage to install the fountain by the required date, and therefore it was opened on January 27, 1901, on the birthday of William II.
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And this is the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet, sitting on one of the marble blocks of the German Fountain and distantly looking directly at the Egyptian obelisk. Cats in Istanbul are special, remember only the cat Gli - the main guardian of Hagia Sophia)
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To the right of the German Fountain (if you go to Hagia Sophia) - Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I(1603-1617) . Exactly p On the order of Ahmed I in 1609-1616, the Ahmediye Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) was built in Istanbul - one of the masterpieces of Muslim architecture. The mausoleum is under reconstruction and is therefore surrounded by construction fences with colorful images of the mausoleum, its history, internal spaces and layouts. Naturally there is no access there.
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From the German Fountain you can go to Hagia Sophia.

If you stand towards Hagia Sophia, with your back to the Blue Mosque, then to the right of the fountain and square we will see the famous Roksolana Baths. Well known to us as Roksolana, the beloved wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska wished to build a hammam (baths) and ordered its construction to the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, and in 1556 the most famous baths of Istanbul were erected. The building consists of two symmetrical departments - men's and women's. By the 19th century, these buildings were abandoned, but at the beginning of the 20th century and the end of the 50s, the hammam was restored and began to function for its intended purpose only in 2007. You can only get there by appointment)
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Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia - Divine Wisdom - Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia (Greek Ἁγία Σοφία) - former patriarchal Orthodox cathedral, later a mosque, now a museum; a world-famous monument of Byzantine architecture, a symbol of the “golden age” of Byzantium. The official name of the monument today is the Hagia Sophia Museum. I'm already talking about this amazing Byzantine church.
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If you keep in mind the photo above, then immediately to the left of Hagia Sophia across the road are the ruins of an Ottoman water meter. According to other versions, it was the ventilation tower of the Basilica Cistern. To the left of this ruin is .
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"Zero Mile" in Constantinople was a monumental urban structure located in the very center of the capital of the empire. The Zero Mile structure was built in the Tetrapylon form, and therefore had a strict cubic shape and entrances on each of the four sides, arranged in the form of triumphal arches. Nothing remains of her.

Just past the ruin of the water meter (Basilica) (photo above) in the next alley is the so-called Basilica Cistern. This is just the entrance to it.
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Let's go around Hagia Sophia on the right and head towards Topkapi Palace.
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There are ruins on the southeast side Grand Palace Byzantine emperors(in the photo above they are to the left outside the frame). The ruins of the imperial palace complex are surrounded by a dense fence and there is no legal access there, at least for now. This fence has no artistic value, so I’m not posting a photo of it)

And this Imperial Gate Topkapi Palace - the main gate through which the Sultan entered the territory of the Palace. Behind them lies a park, which during the time of the sultans was considered the first courtyard - the courtyard of the Janissaries.
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To the right and in front of the Imperial Gate we can see the magnificent Topkapi Palace, built in 1728 in the Ottoman Rococo style during the Lale Devri (Tulip) period, on the large square in front of the Imperial Gate. During the Ottoman Empire, the fountain was one of the city's public centers. The Ahmed III Fountain Pavilion is located on the site of the Byzantine Peraiton Fountain. The architectural decoration of the building reflects a synthesis of traditional Ottoman and modern European styles.
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Just outside the Imperial Gate in the first courtyard on the right we will see. It is one of the earliest surviving churches of Constantinople and is dedicated to the "Holy Chrism". The vestibule of the church is lined with mosaics from the time of Justinian. Inside the open space of the church there is a sarcophagus in which, according to legend, the remains of Constantine rest. The first Christian basilica on this site was erected at the beginning of the 4th century on the site of the ruins of the ancient temple of Aphrodite under the Roman emperor Constantine and was the main temple of the city until the construction of Hagia Sophia
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If you head towards Topkapi Palace and turn left down the street, you can visit a very impressive place, I must say. It is a must-see for those interested in the history of the ancient world.
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However, we are still going to the Sultan’s Topkapi Palace. We buy tickets here. It should also be noted that the advertised Museum Card is not for sale anywhere in Istanbul (at least in July 2017)

This Gate of Welcome Topkapi Palace.
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To the left of the entrance to Gulhane Park in the fortress wall there is Parade Pavilion with a pointed spire on the roof. It was used by the sultans to watch processions along the street until 1769.
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Gulhane Park very cozy. By late evening, however, a noticeable amount of garbage accumulates on its sidewalks and paths)
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During the Ottoman era, the site of today's Gülhane Park was occupied by the outer gardens of Topkapi Palace, mostly planted with trees. In the 20th century, part of the gardens was redeveloped into a park by decision of the municipality and opened to the public in 1912. Previously, the park housed recreation areas, coffee shops, playgrounds, and fairs were also held here. Later a small zoo was opened here. In 1926, the first statue of Atatürk in Turkey was installed in Gülhane Park.

In general, in the historical district of Sultanahmet - the center of Istanbul, there is quite a lot to see.
A day would be enough, but it won’t be enough, I guarantee. Set aside at least 2-3 days just for this list of attractions)))

Good night, Istanbul!
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The Sultanahmet district can rightfully be called one of the most densely populated and lively parts of Istanbul. Most travelers, finding themselves in the vast expanses of the beautiful Turkish city for the first time, begin their acquaintance with it from this area. Historically, a huge number of ancient sights and interesting museum complexes are concentrated in Sultanahmet, so millions of tourists from all over the world flock here.

Once on the territory of the quarter there were many magnificent palaces, built back in the days when Istanbul was called Constantinople and played the role of the main city of Byzantium. After the Turkish conquerors came to these lands, the lion's share of the grandiose structures was destroyed and destroyed, and literally on the rubble the Ottomans built a new area of ​​the future modern metropolis. Sultanahmet has enormous historical value. The quarter is under the protection of UNESCO and is included in the list of World Heritage Sites.

One of the symbols of the area is the Blue Mosque

The most beautiful Istanbul quarter can, without exaggeration, become a visual history textbook, from which you can simultaneously learn about the past life and development of the Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman peoples. Yes, Sultanahmet is a large historical encyclopedia, and one day is clearly not enough to study it. But it is quite possible to leaf through and capture its brightest pages in memory.

You can get to Sultanahmet by HavaIst bus route ist-1S to the Sultanahmet stop.

From Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Sabiha Gokcen Airport

If you get to Sultanahmet from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, you can use the Havataş bus, the fare is 15 liras. The bus goes to Taksim Square, from which you can continue the journey in two ways:

1.Walk (about 10 minutes) to the T1 tram stop - Nut Mimar Sinan University, take the tram and get to the Sultanahmet stop.

2.Take a taxi from Taksim to Sultanahmet

I do not recommend taking a bus from Taksim to Sultanahmet, as you will have to change trains several times.

Sultanahmet Historical District on the map:

Districts of Istanbul

— these are 39 administrative districts or districts, among which there are those known throughout the world and those that not every experienced Istanbul specialist knows about. Below, all districts of Istanbul are listed in alphabetical order, according to administrative division, with a brief description of each of them.

Attention: By clicking on the name of the area, you can go to the selection of a hotel in the part of the city that interests you.

Adalar. The area is also known as the Princes' Islands. It is located 20 kilometers south of the city center and is formed by nine islands - Büyükada, Burgazada, Kashikadası, Kınalyada, Sedefadası, Sivriada, Tavsanadası, Heybeliada and Yassiada. The number of inhabitants is about 14 thousand people, and only 6 of the 9 islands are inhabited. The Princes' Islands are quite a popular place among tourists, and the most visited islands are Buyukada, Burgazada, Kinaliada and Heybeliada, which can be reached by steamships and ferries from the city piers. Car traffic is prohibited on the islands, so horse-drawn carriage rides are common here.

Arnavutkoy. This area appeared on the maps of Istanbul quite recently - in 2008 and occupies a huge territory, despite the fact that only 200,000 people live here. It is located in the north-west of the city, actually outside its borders. It is not popular among tourists.

Atasehir. A rapidly developing area in the depths of the Asian part of the city, in fact a satellite city of Istanbul. There is no construction of individual houses in Ataşehir; the bulk of the development is multi-storey high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, in which wealthy Istanbul residents buy living space. Public transport is poorly developed, because... The area is designed for residents who have their own cars. Population: 400,000 people.

Avcilar. Until recently a small village, this area, located on the shores of the Marmara Sea in the European part of the city, experienced rapid growth in the 1980s and is now quite significant both in terms of area and population of 350,000 people. One of the buildings of Istanbul University is located here, as well as the largest port in Turkey - Ambarli Limani. It is not popular among tourists.

Bagcilar. Located in the European part of the city, next to the Bayrampasa district. Now this is the area with the highest population density in Istanbul, and about 720,000 people live here. The basis of Istanbul residents living here is the working class. In 2001, the Bagcilar Olympic Sports Complex was opened here. It is not popular among tourists.

Bayrampasa. Occupies a place in the very center of the European part of Istanbul. Here is the largest shopping center Forum Istanbul, attracting the attention of both city guests and Istanbulites themselves.

Bakirkoy. A beautiful and ennobled area in the European part of Istanbul, located near the shores of the Sea of ​​Marmara. Population: about 220,000 people.

Bahcelievler. Located in the European part of the city and, with a population of almost 600,000 people, it is the fifth most populous district of Istanbul. During the Ottoman Empire, on the site of the area there were villages where Greeks lived, and even earlier, in antiquity, stone was mined here for the construction of the city. The area began to actively develop only in the 1960s. It is not popular among tourists.

Basaksehir. Large residential area in the European part. During the Ottoman Empire, gunpowder used by the army during military operations was produced here. Among the interesting things, the Ataturk Olympic Stadium is located here, and in the future it is planned to build one of the campuses of Istanbul University. The population is more than 200 thousand people. It is not popular among tourists.

Beykoz. An ancient area located in the Asian part, whose history stretches back 2700 years. It is washed from the north by the Black Sea, and from the west by the Bosphorus Strait. An important strategic point, essentially the gateway to the Black Sea, the area changed hands many times during its history until it was annexed by the Ottoman state in the 15th century. In general, it is a rather picturesque area, not without tourism potential. Among the attractions here are the fortresses of Anadoluhisar and Yoros, the tomb of St. Yushi in the Anadoluhisary mahalla, as well as the Polish village of Polonezkoy. The population is about 240 thousand people.

Beylikduzu. Just recently becoming part of Istanbul (in 2008), this area, washed by the Sea of ​​Marmara to the south, is a modern and rapidly developing part of the city. The 2 largest exhibition centers in Istanbul are located here - CNR and TUYAP. Population: 230,000 people. It is not popular among tourists.

Beyoglu. One of the most popular tourist areas in Istanbul. It is located in the European part and, in fact, is the center of the “new city”. There is a famous pedestrian street where you can ride on a rare red tram, Taksim Square, St. Anthony's Church, the Istanbul Modern Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as the best boutiques, pastry shops, restaurants and cafes of the city, art galleries, theaters, cinemas and much more. . Beyoglu is rightfully considered the cultural and entertainment capital of Istanbul. Despite the fact that the population of the area is about 230 thousand people, up to a million people from all over the world visit here every day.

View of Beyoğlu from the Galata Tower and the Sisli skyscrapers visible in the distance

Besiktas. It occupies an area on the European shore of the Bosphorus, opposite the “Asian” district of Uskudar. There are quite a few cultural attractions here, for example, the palaces and Yildiz, Sinan Pasha mosques located on the banks of the strait. So, from a tourism point of view, this area is also quite popular. In addition, there are a large number of luxurious luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons. In addition, the area is famous for the football team of the same name. The population of Besiktas is about 200 thousand people.

View of Ortakoy Mosque located in Besiktas district

Buyukcekmece. A residential area of ​​Istanbul, located on the shores of the Sea of ​​Marmara, once popular among citizens as a place for picnics, fishing and beach holidays, but after industrialization it lost its former glory. The population is 170,000 people, a significant part of which are migrants from Anatolia. It is not popular among tourists.

Gaziosmanpasa. Like Esenyurt, this area of ​​Istanbul, located in the European part, began to develop only after Roma from the Balkans began to immigrate here. As a result, the area became one of the most densely populated in the city, with a huge number of illegal buildings and high unemployment. It is not popular among tourists.

Gungoren. A small industrial area adjacent to Fatih with a population of 300,000 people. It is not popular among tourists.

Zeytinburnu. It is located next to Fatih and is a major transport hub of the city. Also, leather and textile production and markets for the sale of products have long been concentrated here. Population: 300,000 people.

Kadikoy. The most famous and popular area in the Asian part of the city, and also the oldest on the eastern shore of the Bosphorus. Over the past decades, it has become almost the center of shopping and entertainment in Istanbul. In this regard, Baghdad Avenue and the Fashion Quarter stand out, where popular boutiques, clubs and restaurants are located. One of the most popular football teams in Turkey, Fenerbahce, is based in Kadikoy, for which the huge Sukru Saracoglu stadium was built. In 1906, Haydarpasa Station was built here, which became the symbol of Kadikoy, and next to it there is a large cargo port. The cultural and entertainment life of the area is enriched by the Sureyya Opera House.

Kartal. A remote industrial area on the Asian side, where, as of 2005, there were more than 400 different factories and about 1,300 workshops. The population is more than 420 thousand people. It is not popular among tourists.

Kucukcekmece. You shouldn’t even try to pronounce the name of this area correctly, because not every native Istanbul resident will be able to do this. The Küçükçekmece region, adjacent to the Sea of ​​Marmara to the south, is inhabited by more than 900,000 people, according to 2012 data. Notably, the Ataturk Olympic Stadium is located here, as well as the campus of Istanbul University. It is not popular among tourists.

Kagithane. Not the most popular area of ​​Istanbul, located next to the business center of the city, Besiktas and Sisli districts. Connected by the Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul. The population is more than 410 thousand people.

Maltepe. An area on the Asian side opposite the famous Princes' Islands with a population of approximately 430,000. The development of the area began only in the 1970s, after the construction of the bridge across the Bosphorus, and before that the country houses of the townspeople were located here. Maltepe suffered greatly during the 1999 earthquake.

Pendik. The penultimate remotest district of Istanbul on the Asian side, separated in 1987 from the Usküdar district and occupying a very large area with more than 600 thousand people. The cities of Gebze and Yalova are located nearby, and the Formula 1 race track is just nearby.

Sancaktepe. A residential area of ​​Istanbul on the Asian side, quite remote from the center. The population is more than 230 thousand people. It is not popular among tourists.

Sariyer. A large area on the European side, washed by the Black Sea and the Bosphorus Strait. It is famous for its beautiful long coastline and dense forests. This area was inhabited for a very long time, and fishing villages were located on its shores, but later it began to attract the attention of the Istanbul elite and the construction of villas and residences began on the coast. In the south of Sariyer there is a major attraction of all of Istanbul - the fortress. In the northern part, on the Black Sea, there is a popular Istanbul beach - Kilyos. During the season, it is a favorite beach holiday destination for many citizens. The number of people living in Sariyer is more than 200 thousand people.

Sariyer and Rumelihisary fortress in the distance

Silivri. Despite the fact that the area is the most remote in the European part of the city, and it is 65 km from the center, Silivri still has a certain popularity among residents of Istanbul, who come here for picnics, as well as to their country houses and villas. In 2008, the most modern prison in Europe opened here. The population, despite the huge occupied area, is not large, only about 150,000 people.

Sultanbeyli. A residential area in the center of the Asian part of the city. About 300,000 people live here, the majority of which is the working class. It is not popular among tourists.

Sultangazi. An area in the European part of the city, with a very mixed national composition of residents - Syrian Kurds and Alawites, immigrants from the Balkans, etc. Population: more than 450 thousand people. It is not popular among tourists.

Tuzla. The easternmost district of Istanbul, located behind, is actually a suburb. About 200,000 people live here. It is not popular among tourists.

Dying (Umranye). Asian region next to Uskudar. Popular among Istanbul residents as a picnic spot. The Umranye Merkez Camii Mosque is located here, as well as Chalica Hill, which offers stunning views of Istanbul.

Uskudar. A popular tourist and very colorful area on the Asian side, adjacent to the Bosphorus and connected to the European part by the Bosphorus Bridge. The attractions of Üsküdar include the Maiden Tower, the Mihrimah Mosque, the New Valide Mosque, and Istanbul’s largest and oldest cemetery, Karkaahmet, is also of great interest to tourists. In general, there are about 200 mosques in the area, and if you visit them all in one day, you will be rewarded with a cake with a candle and a “holy saint” badge. The number of residents of the area is about 550 thousand people.

Popular attraction of Üsküdar - Maiden Tower

Fatih. The most popular area of ​​Istanbul. It is here that most of the most popular cultural and historical attractions of the city are concentrated, such as the Hippodrome, Aqueduct, etc. Moreover, all this is concentrated literally in two blocks - Eminönü and Sultanahmet (listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site). In addition to these two quarters, Fatih also includes the Aksaray and Laleli quarters, which are also popular in their own way.

View of the Eminonu quarter - part of the Fatih district

Sisli. A prestigious and developed area of ​​Istanbul, next to Beyoglu and Sariyer. This is the business center of Istanbul, where the tallest skyscrapers in the city are located, led by Sapphire with a height of 240 meters, as well as the largest shopping center in all of Europe, Istanbul Cevahir. We won’t even talk about the abundance of shops, restaurants and leisure places. Housing prices in Sisli are among the highest in the city, and more than 315 thousand people live here.

The main Turkish city, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire, receives millions of tourists every year.

People come here to get acquainted with history and stroll through significant places.

The main attractions are located in the historical part of Istanbul.

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general information

Istanbul is a city that is located right away in two parts of the world - in Europe and Asia. It is divided into two parts by the Bosphorus Strait. and European - two very different components of the city.

The main historical places that attract tourists are located in its European part. The historical center of Istanbul is protected by UNESCO, and it is also included in the World Heritage List, since historical and architectural monuments are found here at almost every step. The main historical areas are Fatih and Beyoglu.

First of all, all guests rush to the Fatih area, here is the largest “concentration” of attractions and monuments. The symbol of Istanbul is the Sultanahmet Mosque, or the Blue Mosque.(details). It is located in the part of the Fatih district of the same name. Sultanahmet attracts tourists with its beauty and interesting history.

There is a legend associated with the construction of the mosque, which reveals the secret of how it happened that the temple has six minarets. Sultanahmet is a functioning mosque, admission is free. You can come at any time from morning to evening, except for those hours when Muslims perform namaz.

Opposite the Blue Mosque there is a former Christian temple (it was built in Constantinople), and now. Inside the temple, Christian frescoes have been preserved, which were hidden by plaster for a long time, since the Turks, who conquered Constantinople (history of the city), rebuilt Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The entrance ticket to Hagia Sophia costs about 25 liras (13 dollars), in winter the museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00, in summer until 19:00.

Topkapi Sultans' Palace(details) is located a little behind the Hagia Sophia Museum. This is a huge complex that is a must see for those who come to Istanbul. Until the 19th century, Topkapi was the main residence of the Sultans. This is one of the world's largest museums - 65,000 exhibits are stored here. There is also a harem in which the wives and concubines of the sultans lived.

Entrance to Topkapi costs 30 liras (about 15 dollars), to the harem - 15 liras (7 dollars). The museum opens at 9:00 and closes at 17:00 in winter, and at 19:00 in summer.

Nearby is main square Hippodrome, which is also worth a stroll. And see the life of local residents from all sides.

The biggest market Kapaly Charshi(kapalı çarşı) is also located in Fatih. Here you can find everything: from souvenirs and sweets, to sheepskin coats and fur coats. Kapaly Charshi (details) is a mini city with shopping streets in the very center of the city. You can walk around the market from 9 am to 7 pm on any day except Sunday. If you are going to make purchases, do not forget about the main rule: it is customary to bargain in all Turkish bazaars.

The largest in Turkey Suleymaniye Mosque(Süleymaniye Camii) was built by order of Sultan Suleiman. The complex with madrasahs, canteens and its own baths is more like an entire city block. On the territory there are the tombs of Sultan Suleiman and his wife Khyurem (Roksolana). Admission is free, you can come at any time except during prayer hours.

Dolmabahce(Dolmabahçe) – another Sultan’s palace. The last Turkish sultans lived here, starting from the end of the 19th century. A luxurious and pompous palace, built in the Baroque style, stands on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. About 14 tons of gold were used to decorate the palace during construction. Entrance to the palace costs 30 liras, Dolmabahce is open (details) from 9:00 to 16:00

In the Fatih district there is Cariye Museum(Kariye Müzesi). This is a former Christian church that was built during the Byzantine Empire. Frescoes from the 14th century have been preserved inside the temple. Entrance ticket to the museum costs 15 liras ($7). Kariye, like most, is open every day from 9 am. In winter it closes at 5 pm, and in summer at 7 pm.

In the area you can find mini-city Miniaturk(details). Almost everything from Turkey is presented here in miniatures. The mini-city is open daily from 9 to 19:00; an entrance ticket can be purchased for 10 liras ($5).

On the map you can find a magnificent park called Gulhane(Gulhane Park). It is located near Topkapi. Previously, only sultans rested here, but now anyone can stroll through the magnificent squares.

Fountains with bridges, a myriad of flowers, comfortable benches - all this attracts both tourists and local residents here every day. Visitors to the park enjoy watching the storks and green parrots living in the park, which are not at all afraid of people.

Another historical area - Beyoglu. The first thing tourists visit is Istiklal Street (Istiklal caddesi). Walking along, you will certainly discover a lot of interesting things, and walking along this street will immerse you in the atmosphere of the 19th century. The famous historical tram runs along this avenue to Taksim Square. Vintage red carriages are especially popular among tourists. To ride a local attraction, you sometimes have to stand in a long line.