Sultanahmet is the main square of Istanbul and its historical center. All the most interesting things that can be seen in this city are within the same area - the grandiose cathedral of Hagia Sophia, the graceful Blue Mosque, the ancient Greek columns, the Egyptian obelisk, the magnificent fountain presented to the Turkish sultan by the German chancellor at the dawn of the 20th century, and much more.
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
First of all, the attention of tourists is attracted exactly by the Cathedral of St. Sophia - one of the oldest and largest Orthodox churches, turned first into a Mosque and then to the museum .And also one of the most beautiful mosques that is in front of the cathedral and is worthy to compete with it in the grandeur and luxury of exterior and interior decoration .These two buildings are one of the main attractions of all of Turkey, and getting to know them is a real aesthetic pleasure, because nowhere else in the world will you see anything like this .
Hippodrome
The racetrack is a kind of sports and political arena, in which gladiators' competitions, various cultural events were held in the old days, as well as citizens gathered to solve important social issues. The racecourse was erected in the 3rd century, it was possible to enter this square through the front gate decorated with a bronze statue of St. Mark in a chariot that was taken to Italy in the 13th century, where it is still stored in one of the Venetian basilicas. @
Today, on the site of this gate flaunts an octagonal fountain, decorated with gold mosaic, as well as the initials of the Turkish sultan Abdul-Hamid II German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
The Obelisk of Theodosius
Do not go unnoticed and the most ancient monument of Sultanahmet - the obelisk of Theodosius, brought from Egypt in the I century, but created around the 15th century BC. During transportation, it was significantly shortened (from 32 to almost 19 meters), but nevertheless being installed on a specially constructed marble pedestal it looks impressive.
Snake Column
Also stands out among other things the Greek snake colony, which originally was an interlacing of three snakes. The column was poured by the Greeks from the bronze shields of the Persians that were defeated by them. In the 18th century, the heads of snakes were destroyed, and only one of them is still in the Istanbul archaeological museum. Once this column performed even the function of a fountain.
This is not a complete list of sultanahmet sights, which certainly worth seeing with your own eyes. Moreover, you will not have problems with placement. In the historical center there are a lot of inexpensive but quite worthy three-star hotels, each of which has its own restaurant with excellent Turkish cuisine.
Address: Sultan Ahmet Mh., Istanbul
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| Blue Mosque |
| Fountain in Sultanahmet |
| Spring in Istanbul |
Reviews of Sultanahmet (5)
Sultanahmet Square is the heart of Istanbul August 21, 2014
On several tens of square meters intertwined era, culture, religion, destiny. Here, as two sisters, St. Sophia and the Blue Mosque look at each other. Such different, but each is beautiful by some of its own, special beauty and greatness. And right after Sofia ... Read the whole review
journeyJune 17, 2014
It's just necessary to see April 17, 2014
The Islamic Heart of Istanbul November 25, 2013
If you came here by tram (stop Sultanahmet), then you will certainly see a small observation deck. It offers a magnificent view of the mosque. By the way, there is such an opinion that it was Sultanahmed that was the prototype of the Disney castle. His minarets are given a kind of fairy-tale and magic.
Then go to the Hippodrome. Here is the main entrance to the mosque. It is much more grand than the entrance from the side ... Read the whole review