Hagia Sophia (known as Sancta Sophia in Latin and Ayasofya in Turkish) is one of the oldest historical structures in the world standing for nearly 1500 years. In its long history it has been damaged and rebuilt for several times up to now. Howover, it is still standing as a great sample of architecture today.

It was built as a church when the time of Constantinopole. In 1453 Sultan Mehmet conquered Constantinopole and decided to convert the church into mosque. The Hagia Sophia served as a mosque for about 500 years. And In 1934 it was converted to the Ayasofya Museum. Today many people come to visit there.

You can take an online tour here and see the whole Hagia Sophia structure (your browser may need plugins).

The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest covered bazaar in the world including sixty lanes and more than three thousand shops. In the 15th century it looked like a large city with its thick walls and domes. Then the streets around the buildings developed and covered. The city turned into a trading center. There were different professions and handicrafts produced here were controlled.
Today a lot of shops changed their characters. Their names just remain as street names now. (more…)

Eyup Sultan Mosque is an important and sacred site for Muslims. The name of the mosque comes from Eyup-el-Ensari who was one of the bearers of Mohammed. He died here during a siege.

Eyup Sultan Mosque was built in 1458 (Ottoman Empire times) and then was destroyed in an earthquake. The present-day mosque was rebuilt in 1800. (more…)

Beyazit Square is in Beyazit, opposite of the University of Istanbul. It was built in 393. There’s Beyazit Mosque which gives its present-day name in the center.

In the past the square was called Square of Bulls. Because there was a gigantic triumphal arch decorated by bronze bull heads.

Today there’re a lot of shops selling books, maps, particles etc. here. You can find very interesting things in these shops.

Maiden’s Tower (Leander’s Tower) is one of the most important historical places in Istanbul. It’s located on the entrance of the Bosphorus. There’re lots of photos about Maiden’s Tower that you can find on the net.

In the past it was used as a watchtower and a lighthouse. Today it is being used for touristic purposes. It contains a restaurant and a balkony. (more…)