![\"historical](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/tarihi-yarimada-yerebatan-sarnici.jpg\")
The Historical Peninsula lies within the boundaries of today\u2019s Fatih district. The peninsula is bordered on the north by the Golden Horn, and on the south by the Sea of Marmara. Its eastern border is on the Bosphorus. To the west of the Historical Peninsula are \u0130stanbul\u2019s historic city walls.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Why is the Historical Peninsula important?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"historical](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/tarihi-yarimada-misir-carsisi.jpg\")
Spice Bazaar\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPerhaps \u0130stanbul\u2019s most significant historical and touristic center, the Historical Peninsula has been continuously inhabited from the 7th century BC to the present day, and houses some of the world\u2019s momentous structures, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkap\u0131 Palace and the Basilica Cistern. The area\u2019s extraordinary legacy makes it a worthwhile destination.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMust-visit places on the Historical Peninsula<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"historical](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/tarihi-yarimada-ayasofya.jpg\")
Hagia Sophia Mosque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSpice Bazaar <\/b>(M\u0131s\u0131r \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131s\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Opened in 1663, the Spice Bazaar is among \u0130stanbul\u2019s oldest and most notable covered bazaars. Set within the New Mosque Complex, the lively Spice Bazaar is still active, attracting numerous visitors who come to buy extravagant fabrics, alluring jewelry and souvenirs, along with spices, and dried fruits and nuts. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Bazaar <\/b>(Kapal\u0131\u00e7ar\u015f\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ever popular and almost always crowded, the Grand Bazaar was commissioned by Sultan Mehmet II and opened in 1461, shortly after the conquest of \u0130stanbul. Over the centuries, further building took place, enlarging the bazaar to its current dimensions, housing 3,600 shops across an area of 45,000 square meters and receiving up to half a million visitors per day. Intended to serve as a commercial complex in the city, the bazaar functioned as a financial and trade center; in fact, the Grand Bazaar is widely regarded as the world\u2019s oldest and largest shopping center. Today, the Grand Bazaar is home to shops selling a vast range of products, including carpets, textiles, jewelry, gold and tiles. One of the most famous covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is in Beyaz\u0131t and is certain to be a highlight of any Historical Peninsula sightseeing route.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obelisk of Theodosius <\/b>(Dikilita\u015f)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the center of Sultanahmet Square is the Hippodrome, an area used in antiquity for chariot races. And in the center of the former Hippodrome is a remarkable and delicate pillar. The marble and granite obelisk, known as Dikilita\u015f, was commissioned by a 15th-century BC Pharoah and brought from Egypt at the request of Constantine I or II, the Eastern Roman Emperor. Erected in the Hippodrome in 390, the granite obelisk features reliefs of Egyptian gods while the marble base has inscriptions in both Latin and Greek. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basilica Cistern <\/b>(Yerebatan Sarn\u0131c\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Almost opposite the Hagia Sophia is the Basilica Cistern, without a doubt one of the most magnificent structures on the Historical Peninsula and in \u0130stanbul. The cistern \u2013140 meters long, 70 meters wide, and featuring tall marble columns \u2013 was established to meet the water needs of the city and of the Topkap\u0131 Palace gardens. Featuring fine architectural details and a distinctive atmosphere, the Basilica Cistern is considered a key stop on the Historical Peninsula sightseeing route. Carved depictions of Medusa\u2019s head, serving as bases for two of the columns in the cistern\u2019s northwest section, are among the few surviving examples of Roman sculpture art.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hagia Sophia Mosque <\/b>(Ayasofya Cami)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of the world\u2019s most important historical buildings, has stood the test of time. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I erected Hagia Sophia as a cathedral between 532 and 537, and it was used as such until the conquest of \u0130stanbul in 1453. Still considered the world\u2019s oldest cathedral, Hagia Sophia was institutionalized in 1935 by the Council of Ministers and served as a museum until 2020, when it was reopened for worship as a mosque. The Hagia Sophia Mosque, on the Historical Peninsula in the heart of old \u0130stanbul, continues to carry the glorious legacy of the past into the present. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blue Mosque <\/b>(Sultanahmet Cami)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Blue Mosque was erected in the 17th century by Sedefk\u00e2r Mehmet A\u011fa, a student of Mimar Sinan. Called the \u201cBlue Mosque\u201d because of the 21,043 blue-white \u0130znik tiles on its walls, the Blue Mosque is a favorite destination for tourists and residents alike. As an integral element of the skyline of the Historical Peninsula, the graceful Blue Mosque includes an inner courtyard featuring arches made with marble sourced from around the world. The tiles in the interior of the mosque have patterns of tulips, lilies, carnations and roses. At the mosque\u2019s entrance, a chain connects might and aesthetics and architectural intelligence and talent: the sultans were said to have entered the mosque with their heads bowed to avoid hitting this chain \u2013 and reminding all those who come in that they are equal before Allah.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Topkap\u0131 Palace <\/b>(Topkap\u0131 Saray\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overlooking the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara, Topkap\u0131 Palace, served as the residence for the Ottoman sultans and as the state\u2019s administrative hub during the Imperial era. Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror constructed the palace between 1460 and 1478; it was expanded over the next centuries, serving as a royal residence until the middle of the 19th century. In 1924, following the proclamation of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atat\u00fcrk decreed that Topkap\u0131 Palace to be turned into a museum. Now called the Topkap\u0131 Palace Museum, its rich collection, stunning gardens and illustrious history make it a must-see destination for visitors touring the Historical Peninsula.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyaz\u0131t Square – \u0130stanbul University<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beyaz\u0131t Square, the palace square of the Ottoman Empire, was, during the Byzantine era, considered to be among the largest squares in existence. Today, Beyaz\u0131t Square is also known for its historic entrance gate, which is now the symbol of \u0130stanbul University, one of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s leading educational institutions. Set approximately in the middle of the Historical Peninsula, Beyaz\u0131t Square is among the key components of \u0130stanbul\u2019s historical and cultural identity.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGetting to the Historical Peninsula<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"historical](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/tarihi-yarimada-istanbul-universitesi.jpg\")
The historical entrance gate of \u0130stanbul University in Beyaz\u0131t Square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not yet in \u0130stanbul, you can find \u0130stanbul flights here<\/a>. For readers who are in the city, here\u2019s an \u0130stanbul transportation guide for first-time visitors<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, the simplest and most practical way to reach the Historical Peninsula is via public transportation. The Marmaray, tram and city line ferries offer convenient access; at the Marmaray\u2019s Sirkeci station, you can travel by foot to many of these sites; alternatively, you can transfer to the tram and get off at the Sultanahmet or Beyaz\u0131t stations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Where is the Historical Peninsula? The Historical Peninsula lies within the boundaries of today\u2019s Fatih district. The peninsula is bordered on the north by the Golden Horn, and on the south by the Sea of Marmara. Its eastern border is on the Bosphorus. To the west of the Historical Peninsula are \u0130stanbul\u2019s historic city walls. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":41875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,228,243,147],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-42100","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"category-historical-places-to-visit-and-routes","9":"category-istanbul-travel-guide","10":"category-trip-ideas"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42100"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42108,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions\/42108"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Perhaps \u0130stanbul\u2019s most significant historical and touristic center, the Historical Peninsula has been continuously inhabited from the 7th century BC to the present day, and houses some of the world\u2019s momentous structures, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkap\u0131 Palace and the Basilica Cistern. The area\u2019s extraordinary legacy makes it a worthwhile destination.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Must-visit places on the Historical Peninsula<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHagia Sophia Mosque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSpice Bazaar <\/b>(M\u0131s\u0131r \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131s\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Opened in 1663, the Spice Bazaar is among \u0130stanbul\u2019s oldest and most notable covered bazaars. Set within the New Mosque Complex, the lively Spice Bazaar is still active, attracting numerous visitors who come to buy extravagant fabrics, alluring jewelry and souvenirs, along with spices, and dried fruits and nuts. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Bazaar <\/b>(Kapal\u0131\u00e7ar\u015f\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ever popular and almost always crowded, the Grand Bazaar was commissioned by Sultan Mehmet II and opened in 1461, shortly after the conquest of \u0130stanbul. Over the centuries, further building took place, enlarging the bazaar to its current dimensions, housing 3,600 shops across an area of 45,000 square meters and receiving up to half a million visitors per day. Intended to serve as a commercial complex in the city, the bazaar functioned as a financial and trade center; in fact, the Grand Bazaar is widely regarded as the world\u2019s oldest and largest shopping center. Today, the Grand Bazaar is home to shops selling a vast range of products, including carpets, textiles, jewelry, gold and tiles. One of the most famous covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is in Beyaz\u0131t and is certain to be a highlight of any Historical Peninsula sightseeing route.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obelisk of Theodosius <\/b>(Dikilita\u015f)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the center of Sultanahmet Square is the Hippodrome, an area used in antiquity for chariot races. And in the center of the former Hippodrome is a remarkable and delicate pillar. The marble and granite obelisk, known as Dikilita\u015f, was commissioned by a 15th-century BC Pharoah and brought from Egypt at the request of Constantine I or II, the Eastern Roman Emperor. Erected in the Hippodrome in 390, the granite obelisk features reliefs of Egyptian gods while the marble base has inscriptions in both Latin and Greek. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basilica Cistern <\/b>(Yerebatan Sarn\u0131c\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Almost opposite the Hagia Sophia is the Basilica Cistern, without a doubt one of the most magnificent structures on the Historical Peninsula and in \u0130stanbul. The cistern \u2013140 meters long, 70 meters wide, and featuring tall marble columns \u2013 was established to meet the water needs of the city and of the Topkap\u0131 Palace gardens. Featuring fine architectural details and a distinctive atmosphere, the Basilica Cistern is considered a key stop on the Historical Peninsula sightseeing route. Carved depictions of Medusa\u2019s head, serving as bases for two of the columns in the cistern\u2019s northwest section, are among the few surviving examples of Roman sculpture art.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hagia Sophia Mosque <\/b>(Ayasofya Cami)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of the world\u2019s most important historical buildings, has stood the test of time. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I erected Hagia Sophia as a cathedral between 532 and 537, and it was used as such until the conquest of \u0130stanbul in 1453. Still considered the world\u2019s oldest cathedral, Hagia Sophia was institutionalized in 1935 by the Council of Ministers and served as a museum until 2020, when it was reopened for worship as a mosque. The Hagia Sophia Mosque, on the Historical Peninsula in the heart of old \u0130stanbul, continues to carry the glorious legacy of the past into the present. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blue Mosque <\/b>(Sultanahmet Cami)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Blue Mosque was erected in the 17th century by Sedefk\u00e2r Mehmet A\u011fa, a student of Mimar Sinan. Called the \u201cBlue Mosque\u201d because of the 21,043 blue-white \u0130znik tiles on its walls, the Blue Mosque is a favorite destination for tourists and residents alike. As an integral element of the skyline of the Historical Peninsula, the graceful Blue Mosque includes an inner courtyard featuring arches made with marble sourced from around the world. The tiles in the interior of the mosque have patterns of tulips, lilies, carnations and roses. At the mosque\u2019s entrance, a chain connects might and aesthetics and architectural intelligence and talent: the sultans were said to have entered the mosque with their heads bowed to avoid hitting this chain \u2013 and reminding all those who come in that they are equal before Allah.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Topkap\u0131 Palace <\/b>(Topkap\u0131 Saray\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overlooking the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara, Topkap\u0131 Palace, served as the residence for the Ottoman sultans and as the state\u2019s administrative hub during the Imperial era. Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror constructed the palace between 1460 and 1478; it was expanded over the next centuries, serving as a royal residence until the middle of the 19th century. In 1924, following the proclamation of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atat\u00fcrk decreed that Topkap\u0131 Palace to be turned into a museum. Now called the Topkap\u0131 Palace Museum, its rich collection, stunning gardens and illustrious history make it a must-see destination for visitors touring the Historical Peninsula.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyaz\u0131t Square – \u0130stanbul University<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beyaz\u0131t Square, the palace square of the Ottoman Empire, was, during the Byzantine era, considered to be among the largest squares in existence. Today, Beyaz\u0131t Square is also known for its historic entrance gate, which is now the symbol of \u0130stanbul University, one of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s leading educational institutions. Set approximately in the middle of the Historical Peninsula, Beyaz\u0131t Square is among the key components of \u0130stanbul\u2019s historical and cultural identity.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGetting to the Historical Peninsula<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe historical entrance gate of \u0130stanbul University in Beyaz\u0131t Square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not yet in \u0130stanbul, you can find \u0130stanbul flights here<\/a>. For readers who are in the city, here\u2019s an \u0130stanbul transportation guide for first-time visitors<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, the simplest and most practical way to reach the Historical Peninsula is via public transportation. The Marmaray, tram and city line ferries offer convenient access; at the Marmaray\u2019s Sirkeci station, you can travel by foot to many of these sites; alternatively, you can transfer to the tram and get off at the Sultanahmet or Beyaz\u0131t stations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Where is the Historical Peninsula? The Historical Peninsula lies within the boundaries of today\u2019s Fatih district. The peninsula is bordered on the north by the Golden Horn, and on the south by the Sea of Marmara. Its eastern border is on the Bosphorus. To the west of the Historical Peninsula are \u0130stanbul\u2019s historic city walls. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":41875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,228,243,147],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-42100","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"category-historical-places-to-visit-and-routes","9":"category-istanbul-travel-guide","10":"category-trip-ideas"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42100"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42108,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions\/42108"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Spice Bazaar <\/b>(M\u0131s\u0131r \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131s\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Opened in 1663, the Spice Bazaar is among \u0130stanbul\u2019s oldest and most notable covered bazaars. Set within the New Mosque Complex, the lively Spice Bazaar is still active, attracting numerous visitors who come to buy extravagant fabrics, alluring jewelry and souvenirs, along with spices, and dried fruits and nuts. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Bazaar <\/b>(Kapal\u0131\u00e7ar\u015f\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ever popular and almost always crowded, the Grand Bazaar was commissioned by Sultan Mehmet II and opened in 1461, shortly after the conquest of \u0130stanbul. Over the centuries, further building took place, enlarging the bazaar to its current dimensions, housing 3,600 shops across an area of 45,000 square meters and receiving up to half a million visitors per day. Intended to serve as a commercial complex in the city, the bazaar functioned as a financial and trade center; in fact, the Grand Bazaar is widely regarded as the world\u2019s oldest and largest shopping center. Today, the Grand Bazaar is home to shops selling a vast range of products, including carpets, textiles, jewelry, gold and tiles. One of the most famous covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is in Beyaz\u0131t and is certain to be a highlight of any Historical Peninsula sightseeing route.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obelisk of Theodosius <\/b>(Dikilita\u015f)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the center of Sultanahmet Square is the Hippodrome, an area used in antiquity for chariot races. And in the center of the former Hippodrome is a remarkable and delicate pillar. The marble and granite obelisk, known as Dikilita\u015f, was commissioned by a 15th-century BC Pharoah and brought from Egypt at the request of Constantine I or II, the Eastern Roman Emperor. Erected in the Hippodrome in 390, the granite obelisk features reliefs of Egyptian gods while the marble base has inscriptions in both Latin and Greek. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basilica Cistern <\/b>(Yerebatan Sarn\u0131c\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Almost opposite the Hagia Sophia is the Basilica Cistern, without a doubt one of the most magnificent structures on the Historical Peninsula and in \u0130stanbul. The cistern \u2013140 meters long, 70 meters wide, and featuring tall marble columns \u2013 was established to meet the water needs of the city and of the Topkap\u0131 Palace gardens. Featuring fine architectural details and a distinctive atmosphere, the Basilica Cistern is considered a key stop on the Historical Peninsula sightseeing route. Carved depictions of Medusa\u2019s head, serving as bases for two of the columns in the cistern\u2019s northwest section, are among the few surviving examples of Roman sculpture art.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hagia Sophia Mosque <\/b>(Ayasofya Cami)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of the world\u2019s most important historical buildings, has stood the test of time. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I erected Hagia Sophia as a cathedral between 532 and 537, and it was used as such until the conquest of \u0130stanbul in 1453. Still considered the world\u2019s oldest cathedral, Hagia Sophia was institutionalized in 1935 by the Council of Ministers and served as a museum until 2020, when it was reopened for worship as a mosque. The Hagia Sophia Mosque, on the Historical Peninsula in the heart of old \u0130stanbul, continues to carry the glorious legacy of the past into the present. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blue Mosque <\/b>(Sultanahmet Cami)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Blue Mosque was erected in the 17th century by Sedefk\u00e2r Mehmet A\u011fa, a student of Mimar Sinan. Called the \u201cBlue Mosque\u201d because of the 21,043 blue-white \u0130znik tiles on its walls, the Blue Mosque is a favorite destination for tourists and residents alike. As an integral element of the skyline of the Historical Peninsula, the graceful Blue Mosque includes an inner courtyard featuring arches made with marble sourced from around the world. The tiles in the interior of the mosque have patterns of tulips, lilies, carnations and roses. At the mosque\u2019s entrance, a chain connects might and aesthetics and architectural intelligence and talent: the sultans were said to have entered the mosque with their heads bowed to avoid hitting this chain \u2013 and reminding all those who come in that they are equal before Allah.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Topkap\u0131 Palace <\/b>(Topkap\u0131 Saray\u0131)<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overlooking the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara, Topkap\u0131 Palace, served as the residence for the Ottoman sultans and as the state\u2019s administrative hub during the Imperial era. Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror constructed the palace between 1460 and 1478; it was expanded over the next centuries, serving as a royal residence until the middle of the 19th century. In 1924, following the proclamation of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atat\u00fcrk decreed that Topkap\u0131 Palace to be turned into a museum. Now called the Topkap\u0131 Palace Museum, its rich collection, stunning gardens and illustrious history make it a must-see destination for visitors touring the Historical Peninsula.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyaz\u0131t Square – \u0130stanbul University<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beyaz\u0131t Square, the palace square of the Ottoman Empire, was, during the Byzantine era, considered to be among the largest squares in existence. Today, Beyaz\u0131t Square is also known for its historic entrance gate, which is now the symbol of \u0130stanbul University, one of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s leading educational institutions. Set approximately in the middle of the Historical Peninsula, Beyaz\u0131t Square is among the key components of \u0130stanbul\u2019s historical and cultural identity.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Getting to the Historical Peninsula<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe historical entrance gate of \u0130stanbul University in Beyaz\u0131t Square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not yet in \u0130stanbul, you can find \u0130stanbul flights here<\/a>. For readers who are in the city, here\u2019s an \u0130stanbul transportation guide for first-time visitors<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, the simplest and most practical way to reach the Historical Peninsula is via public transportation. The Marmaray, tram and city line ferries offer convenient access; at the Marmaray\u2019s Sirkeci station, you can travel by foot to many of these sites; alternatively, you can transfer to the tram and get off at the Sultanahmet or Beyaz\u0131t stations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Where is the Historical Peninsula? The Historical Peninsula lies within the boundaries of today\u2019s Fatih district. The peninsula is bordered on the north by the Golden Horn, and on the south by the Sea of Marmara. Its eastern border is on the Bosphorus. To the west of the Historical Peninsula are \u0130stanbul\u2019s historic city walls. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":41875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,228,243,147],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-42100","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"category-historical-places-to-visit-and-routes","9":"category-istanbul-travel-guide","10":"category-trip-ideas"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42100"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42108,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions\/42108"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
If you\u2019re not yet in \u0130stanbul, you can find \u0130stanbul flights here<\/a>. For readers who are in the city, here\u2019s an \u0130stanbul transportation guide for first-time visitors<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, the simplest and most practical way to reach the Historical Peninsula is via public transportation. The Marmaray, tram and city line ferries offer convenient access; at the Marmaray\u2019s Sirkeci station, you can travel by foot to many of these sites; alternatively, you can transfer to the tram and get off at the Sultanahmet or Beyaz\u0131t stations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Where is the Historical Peninsula? The Historical Peninsula lies within the boundaries of today\u2019s Fatih district. The peninsula is bordered on the north by the Golden Horn, and on the south by the Sea of Marmara. Its eastern border is on the Bosphorus. To the west of the Historical Peninsula are \u0130stanbul\u2019s historic city walls. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":41875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,228,243,147],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-42100","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"category-historical-places-to-visit-and-routes","9":"category-istanbul-travel-guide","10":"category-trip-ideas"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42100"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42108,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42100\/revisions\/42108"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}