This unique historical monument is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, a symbol of the heyday of Christianity and a witness to the death of the Byzantine Empire. The cathedral was founded during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the VI century A.D. Over the 14 centuries of its existence, it was destroyed and ruined several times. After the conquest of Constantinople, the temple was converted into a mosque, while destroying many Christian values. At the beginning of the XX century, the Turkish authorities decided to assign Hagia Sophia the status of a museum.

A Muslim temple built under Sultan Ahmed I at the beginning of the XVII century. Rare and precious marble rocks were used in the construction. The architecture of the Blue Mosque is a harmonious combination of Ottoman and Byzantine manners, a brilliant project of Khoja Mimar Sinan Aga, who was deservedly nicknamed "jeweler" by the people. The building is decorated with a large number of Iznik ceramic tiles of heavenly color, so it was named "Blue Mosque".

Another masterpiece of the architect Sinan, which became a symbol of the power of the Ottoman Empire. After the construction was completed, the master predicted that the temple would stand forever. So far, his prophecy is true – for four centuries, the building has survived several dozen serious earthquakes and withstood. The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest temple in Istanbul. This is a whole complex consisting of madrassas, baths, libraries, observatories, prayer rooms.

The strait on the Mediterranean Sea, where a small Greek settlement was formed in the VII century BC. Over time, it turned into the city of Byzantium, and later into Constantinople. The bay got its name due to its shape, similar to an animal horn, and the incredible beauty of the coastal landscapes. The writings of ancient Greek scientists also mention the name "Horn of Byzantium". In the past centuries, the bay was considered an important strategic object.

The Bosphorus Strait is the maritime border between the Asian and European parts of Turkey, it is often called the "soul of Istanbul". There are several picturesque bridges spanning the strait, magnificent sultan palaces, fortresses and ancient quarters stand on the banks. Istanbul cannot be imagined without the Bosphorus. This narrow strip of water has repeatedly become the subject of dispute between States and the arena of military clashes.

The prototype of the modern stone tower was a wooden Byzantine structure of the VI century, built under the Emperor Justinian. After the conquest of Byzantium by the Turks in the XV century, the tower was used as a lighthouse, a fire tower and a prison. The structure is located on a hill, so it is clearly visible from the streets of Istanbul. From the observation deck of the tower, you can admire the picturesque architecture of the city.

The Maiden Tower (Kyz Kulesi) was built in the waters of the Bosphorus Strait on a small rocky island. It is believed that fortifications on this tiny piece of land appeared as early as 400 BC during the war between Athens and Sparta. During the Ottoman rule, a lighthouse was built on the island. The Maiden Tower managed to serve as a prison, an isolation ward, a utility room for military and sailors, and an exhibition gallery. Since the end of the XX century, an observation deck and a restaurant have been located here.

The palace complex built during the reign of Sultan Abdul-Majid I. The ruler wanted to surpass the European rulers in luxury and size, so the palace turned out to be really huge: its walls stretch for 600 meters along the Bosphorus Strait, the total area is 45 thousand m2. After the formation of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk settled in Dolmabahce on the ruins of the Ottoman Empire. After his death, the palace became a museum.

The most famous and famous palace in Istanbul. Until the middle of the XIX century, it was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans. The complex was built on the ruins of the palace of the Byzantine emperors by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in the XV century. The firebox is divided into four parts. There are separate entrances to each of them: the Gates of the Lord (office and official premises), the Gates of Greeting (office and treasury, the divan meeting room), the Gates of Bliss (inner chambers and harem).

Baroque palace in the Asian part of Istanbul, built in the middle of the XIX century. The building was used as a summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. The interior decoration of the palace premises uses a mixture of Eastern and European traditions, which makes the interiors quite original. The layout is made in a typical Turkish style – courtyards, a separate pavilion for a harem and rooms for a hamam.

A powerful fort on the picturesque shore of the Bosphorus, built in the XV century under Sultan Mehmed II Fatih. The defensive walls of the fortress were erected in just a few months. Rumelikhisar was built specifically for the storming of Constantinople to cut off the city from the strait. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the fortress was used as a customs post. The restoration was carried out in the middle of the XX century.

A picturesque palace and park complex on the coast of the Marmara Sea. First, a villa was built on the site of the modern palace for the mother of Sultan Selim III. Yildiz is a building that embodies several architectural styles: European classics, Baroque, Oriental style. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent blooming park. Since 1994, a museum has been located on its territory.

A place where horse races were held back in the Roman Empire 2 thousand years ago. During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the amphitheater on the square was dismantled, many of its fragments were used to build the pearl of Istanbul – the Blue Mosque. On the square there are obelisks of the Byzantine emperors Constantine Porphyrogenitus and Theodosius, as well as an ancient Greek serpentine column.

The central square of the historical district of Beyoglu. It separates the old quarters of Istanbul from the new ones and serves as an important transport hub of the city. In the center of the square there is a monument erected in honor of the formation of the Republic of Turkey. It consists of sculptures of military leaders Kemal Ataturk, Fevzi Chakmak, Mustafa, Ismet Inenyu and other revolutionaries who contributed to the fall of the monarchy.

Pedestrian street connecting Taksim Square and Galat district. Once this alley was the central avenue of Constantinople. The name "Istiklal" translates from Turkish as "independence". The spirit of freedom and independence really reigns on the street. It is flooded with walking tourists, nightclubs, restaurants and inexpensive eateries. Here, temples and street performers stand at a distance of one meter from each other, and modern bars are adjacent to traditional Turkish shops.

An ancient temple in the Sultanahmet district, located in the historical center of Istanbul. It is believed that the church was built on the ruins of the ancient temple of Aphrodite in the IV century AD, so this temple is older than Hagia Sophia. Before the appearance of the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the Church of St. Irina was the main temple of Constantinople, where the meeting of the Second Ecumenical Council was held under the leadership of Emperor Theodosius I.

The Byzantine Church of Christ the Saviour, also this place is known as the "Monastery of Hora". The temple was founded in the IV century AD, at that time it was located outside the city wall of Constantinople. The original Byzantine mosaics and frescoes of the XI century, which are of great cultural value, have been preserved inside the building. The Kariye Museum is located in an ordinary residential area away from the main attractions.

A museum where unique archaeological finds telling about the history of human development are kept. Many exhibits were preserved thanks to the ban on the export of historical monuments from the Ottoman Empire, which was introduced in 1884. The museum houses the very first peace treaty recorded in history. The complex includes three large buildings housing more than 1 million exhibits.

Istanbul cannot afford to lag behind European capitals, and therefore, like many of them, has its own museum of modern art. The gallery was opened in 2004. This place hosts all kinds of exhibitions, author meetings and honoring contemporary artists. The room is equipped with the latest technology, so you can often see fashionable installations here.

The park is located on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay. On its territory there are models of Turkish and world attractions, made in a ratio of 1:25. In total, there are more than a hundred different figures in the Miniature, including the Blue Mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, the Greek temple of Artemis, the Topkana Palace. There is also a miniature railway, an airport and a seaport in the park.

The preserved part of the ancient water supply system of Constantinople. The approximate date of construction of the aqueduct is 375 AD. The total length of the stone aqueduct was more than 550 km., the aqueduct of Valent is a small segment of 1.5 km. connecting two neighboring city hills. In the VII and VIII centuries. the structure was repaired. The aqueduct worked successfully until the XII century, after which it was abandoned. Under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it was repaired again and began to be used to deliver water to Topkapi.

Underground reservoir in the historical center of Istanbul, equipped at the beginning of the IV century. The cistern served as the city's water reservoir. Water was delivered here from the Belgrade Forest via an aqueduct system. The ceiling of the reservoir is supported by rows of marble columns, formerly part of ancient temples. During the reign of the Ottomans, the cistern was not used, in 1987 it was cleaned and a museum was opened on the territory.

The defensive system of the Byzantine capital, preserved since the 5th century AD. It was built to protect the city from the raids of barbarian tribes. The walls have survived to this day in good condition largely thanks to the Ottoman conquerors. After the conquest of Constantinople, they restored all the buildings. In the first half of the XX century, the walls began to be dismantled, but in the 80s it was decided to restore.

The bridge over the Golden Horn Bay. The structure was built in the middle of the XIX century under the ruler Abdul-Majid I. Another common name of the structure is "Valide Bridge", since the sultan's mother took an active part in the construction. The bridge has undergone five reconstructions, in 2005 tram tracks were laid through it.

A modern suspension bridge across the Bosphorus, inaugurated in 1973 in the presence of the President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. The structure is supported by two metal towers located at a distance of about 1 km from each other. The total length of the bridge is 1560 meters. In the evening, multicolored lighting turns on, coloring the bridge in bright colors. During the most busy hours, the structure sags by 90 cm.

A grandiose project of German architects of the beginning of the XX century. It was assumed that the station would become a major railway junction connecting the Ottoman Empire with Damascus, Cairo, Jerusalem and Medina. But History ordered otherwise – the empire fell, and a more modest role was prepared for Haidarpash. Now the station serves domestic eastern routes to the borders with Iran, Armenia and Syria.

A city park designed for walking and relaxing from the summer heat of Istanbul. It is famous for a large number of pink flower beds, which have been preserved since the Sultan's times. Once Gulkhane was part of the palace complex, only the ruler and courtiers had the right to walk in the park. At the end of the XIX century, it was open to everyone. There is a large playground, a cafe, a small zoo and an aquarium on the territory.

The best place for shopping and the sixth largest shopping mall in the world. About 400 shops, dozens of cafes and restaurants are located on 6 floors. As in the leading European capitals, here you can find products of all the most famous and well-promoted world brands, ranging from democratic brands to designer houses. There is an amusement park in the underground part of the building.

A traditional oriental bazaar where sellers can communicate with the buyer in many languages. Previously, goods brought from the East were sold here: spices, herbs, medicines. Nowadays, the bazaar is more oriented towards tourists, so a significant part of its area is occupied by souvenir shops. Also here you can buy interesting jewelry, dishes, fabrics and carpets, oriental sweets.

The largest indoor market in the world, covering an area of 3.7 thousand m2. This is a whole "city within a city" with its own way of life, rhythm and laws. The bazaar consists of 66 streets and 4 thousand shops and shops. There are mosques, a school, a sauna, cafes, currency exchange offices and numerous warehouses. Several tens of thousands of people visit the bazaar every day. The trading platform appeared in the XV century immediately after the capture of Constantinople on the site of the old Byzantine market.