Istanbul's Historic Province

Istanbul’s historical landscape spans from the Roman and Byzantine eras to the peak of the Ottoman Empire. This collection features architectural landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, alongside the sprawling Topkapı Palace complex. It includes subterranean Byzantine engineering at the Cistern of Philoxenos and ancient remnants like the Column of Constantine and the Hippodrome. Further afield, the coastal Şile Kalesi offers a glimpse into the region's medieval maritime defenses on the Black Sea.

Myrabella / Public domain

A

Hagia Sophia

Historic architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, renowned for its Byzantine architecture and cultural significance.

Gryffindor / Public domain

B

Topkapı Palace

Historic Ottoman palace and former royal residence featuring centuries-old architecture and extensive imperial collections, now functioning as a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

travisreitter / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

The Blue Mosque

Historic Ottoman mosque known for its six minarets and intricate blue tile interior decoration. It is an active place of worship and a significant example of Ottoman architecture.

Gryffindor / Public domain

D

Sultan Ahmet Square

Historic square featuring notable monuments and remnants of an ancient sports and social center. It reflects both Byzantine and Ottoman architectural influences.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

E

Cistern of Philoxenos

Byzantine underground cistern featuring 224 columns and notable Byzantine architecture. It serves as an archaeological site and museum showcasing ancient water storage engineering.

Bollweevil / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Column of Constantine

There used to be a statue of Constantine the Great atop of this Roman column.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

G

Şile Kalesi

A Genoese-built watchtower situated on Ocaklı Island, originally constructed to defend the harbor from maritime threats. The castle is a prominent landmark on the Black Sea coast of the Şile district.