DK Travel : Istanbul : Places of interest

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Antique Tram

The horse-drawn tram service that rumbled along İstiklal Caddesi in the 19th century was electrified in 1914 (when the horses were taken off to war). The service was closed down in 1961, but revived in 1990. Its cheery red carriages have become an icon of Beyoğlu. Tickets can be purchased at either end of the line.
Aqueduct of Valens (Bozdoğan Kemeri)

West of Süleymaniye are the near-perfect remains of the two-storey aqueduct built by Emperor Valens in 368. Repaired many times in the intervening years, the aqueduct remained in use until the 19th century, bringing water from the Belgrade Forest to the centre of the Great Palace complex, near the Hippodrome.
Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi)

This is one of the world’s great historical museums. It has three principal sections: the Museum of the Ancient Orient, which contains, among other things, the city gates of Babylon; the Tiled Kiosk, with a superb display of ceramics; and the main museum, where royal sarcophagi found at Sidon in Lebanon are star exhibits (see Archaeological Museum ).
Aşiyan Museum (Aşiyan Müzesi)

The poet and utopian philosopher Tevfik Fikret (1867–1915), founder of the Edebiyat-i Cedid (New Literature) movement, built this wooden mansion, now on the campus of Boğaziçi University, in 1906. It recalls the movement with the personal belongings and photos of the members.
Atatürk Cultural Centre (Atatürk Kultur Merkezi)

The hub of cultural events in the city, the massive AKM seats more than 1,300 people in its Grand Stage, and also contains several other smaller theatres. The centre is the home of the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra and Choir, and stages ballet, theatre and opera. It also hosts the Istanbul Arts and Culture Festival. The box office is to the right of the main doors.
Atik Valide Mosque (Atik Valide Camii)

One of Istanbul’s finest mosques and Sinan’s last great work, the “Old Mosque of the Sultan’s Mother” was completed in 1583 for the formidable Nur Banu, wife of Selim III and mother of Murat III (see Atik Valide Mosque (Atik Valide Camii) ).
Atik Valide Mosque (Atik Valide Camii)

Set on a hill, the huge complex of the Old Mosque of the Sultan’s Mother was completed in 1583 for Nur Banu Valide Sultan, the Venetian-born Jewish wife of Selim II. Sinan’s finest work, it retains many glorious details.
Balık Pazarı

A fabulous fish, fruit and veg market by day, by night these alleys are filled with cheap and lively restaurants.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Saray)

This beautiful “Sunken Palace“, as the Turkish name has it, had a prosaic purpose: it was built as a vast underground water-storage tank. Begun by Constantine, it was expanded by Justinian in 532 to ensure that Constantinople was always supplied with water; covering an area of 9,800 sq m (11,720 sq yards), it once held 80 million litres (about 18 million gallons). The cistern roof is supported by 336 pillars, 8 m (26 ft) in height. Look for the upside-down Medusa heads, reused from older Greek buildings. Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attraction is also popular as a film location and a venue for concerts.
Belgrade Forest (Belgrat Ormanı)

Belgrade Forest is the largest area of woodland near Istanbul. Its huge park makes a first-rate spot for family picnics.