Istanbul Essentials For First Timers

Once part of Topkapi Palace, this relaxing and beautiful public park is more than a recreational area. This area played a very crucuial role in the history of Istanbul, but also of Turkish Republic. In April, it is full of tulips. In May, roses replace tulips. Every seasons, it looks amazing in its own way.

Surrounded by Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, this Fountain rarely gets the attention that it deserves. We will examine its Tulip Period ornaments with a special attention and understand its impact to the city.

With endless rows of columns, its has a unique appearance. It is considered as a top sight in Istanbul. There may be a 30-minute waiting time on busy days.

This 17th-century masterpiece of Ottoman architecture is one of the top sights in Istanbul. Its interior provides one of the most glamorous examples of Ottoman mosques. It is decorated with thousands of tiles and extensive penwork. Starting from its outer courtyard to the inner corners, this mosque provides several elegant examples of the Turkish artistic taste of the 17th century.

Sultanahmet Square is the ancient Roman Hippodrome and contains some of Istanbul's oldest and most important sights. The Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Masonary Obelisk and German Fountain are among those sights. Each of them has its own fascinating stories and not-easy-to-notice aspects, which I will happily share during our visit.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is one of the masterpieces of world architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 6th-century building contains artistic items and architectural features from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. It is a must-see in Istanbul, but for that reason, there are long queues which may result with 1-2 hours of waiting time. (If my guests prefer to see the building only from outside in order not to wait in a long queue, an alternative destination can be added)

As a key city of the Silk Road and the Spice Road, Istanbul boasts the presence of some of the best medieval bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar are still some of most lively commercial buildings in Istanbul. Depending on the personal preference of my guests, we can visit one or both of them. Grand Bazaar is closed on sunday.

Although Blue Mosque is the most visited Ottoman mosque in Istanbul because of its location at the heart of Old City, several other mosques are worth visiting because of their historical significance and architectural aspects. Beyazit Mosque in particular contains very interesting features that are unique in Istanbul. We will take a look at its colorful decoration dated 1505.