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…)

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…)