Category: Tourism in Turkey

Hagia Sophia Mosque is a magnificent architectural wonder located in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built as a Christian church nearly 1500 years ago, it stands as one of the most significant historical landmarks and tourist attractions in the world, comparable to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Parthenon in Athens. In this article, we will delve into all the information about Hagia Sophia, from its inception to the present day. Let’s begin.

Hagia Sophia Mosque: A Symbol of Religious Heritage

Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. Besides serving as an Islamic place of worship, it attracts hundreds of visitors and tourists daily. Hagia Sophia represents an ancient symbol of both Christianity and Islam. It has become an integral part of Turkish culture, characterized by its prominent dome, luxurious Christian mosaics, and exquisite Islamic inscriptions adorning its minarets.

When Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) fell into the hands of the Ottomans in the mid-15th century, the cathedral was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Hagia Sophia became the first imperial mosque in Istanbul. Restoration and renovation works were initiated, including the addition of buttresses and columns to prevent collapse, along with several other structures within the mosque such as the four minarets, the mihrab, the pulpit, the şadırvan (ablution fountain), the madrasa (religious school), and the library. All Christian symbols inside were concealed, covered with Islamic motifs, and Ottoman decorations.

Where is Hagia Sophia Located?

Hagia Sophia Mosque is situated in Istanbul, Turkey, along the Bosphorus Strait, which serves as the geographical border between Europe and Asia. Specifically, the mosque is located in the European part of Sultanahmet Square, near the Topkapi Palace, another famous landmark in Istanbul. The prime location of Hagia Sophia makes it one of the top tourist destinations in Istanbul, ideal for day trips. Moreover, during your visit to Hagia Sophia, you can explore the Grand Bazaar, the Basilica Cistern, and other tourist attractions in Sultanahmet Square.

History of Hagia Sophia Mosque

Originally, Hagia Sophia was built as a cathedral for the Greek Orthodox Church. The foundation of the first Hagia Sophia was laid by the Byzantine Emperor Constantius in 360 AD. At the time of the church’s construction, Istanbul was known as Constantinople, derived from the name of the first ruler of the Byzantine Empire.

The structure of Hagia Sophia was burned and demolished in 404 AD during the riots that occurred in Constantinople due to the political conflicts at that time. Then, Emperor Theodosius II ordered the reconstruction of Hagia Sophia, and the new construction was completed in 415.

After more than a century, the structure was burned for the second time during the so-called “Nika Revolts” against Emperor Justinian. Due to the inability to repair the damages caused by the fire, Justinian ordered the demolition of Hagia Sophia in 532 and commissioned the famous architects Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles to build a new cathedral. The construction of the third Hagia Sophia was completed in 537, and it still stands to this day. The first religious services in the “new” Hagia Sophia were held on December 27, 537.

Design of Hagia Sophia

Since its opening, the construction of the third Hagia Sophia was an artistic masterpiece, combining traditional design elements of Orthodox basilicas with a large domed roof and magnificent galleries. The arches were covered with a mosaic of six-winged seraphim.

The marble used for the floor and the roof of Hagia Sophia was produced in Anatolia, while the bricks used in the walls and some parts of the floors were sourced from distant regions in North Africa. The columns of Hagia Sophia, totaling 104 columns, were imported, with some coming from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and others from Egypt.

How to reach Hagia Sophia

If you plan to travel to Turkey, we recommend visiting Hagia Sophia, the architectural masterpiece that is one of the most important symbols of Christianity and Islam. Here is a guide to help you reach Hagia Sophia using public and private transportation in Turkey.

Bus:

Istanbul International Airport is located about 20 km away from Hagia Sophia, and it will take approximately one hour by bus to reach the mosque from the airport. The nearest bus station to Hagia Sophia Mosque is a 13-minute walk away. Bus lines that reach Hagia Sophia include 35A, 36, 36ES, 38, 38Z, 97, and 92B.

Train:

The nearest train station to Hagia Sophia Mosque is Sirkeci. You can take a train from the airport to Hagia Sophia, which will take about an hour. You can also take the Marmaray train (Ataköy – Pendik) or the Marmaray train (Halkalı – Gebze) to reach Hagia Sophia.

Metro:

The nearest metro line to Hagia Sophia is the Sultanahmet station, which is a 7-minute walk away. You can reach Hagia Sophia in about 50 minutes by metro.

Tram:

The nearest tram station to reach Hagia Sophia is Sultanahmet, which is a 7-minute walk away. You can take the T1 tram to reach Hagia Sophia.

Car:

Driving to the Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the fastest ways to reach the mosque. Hagia Sophia is located 20 km away from Istanbul International Airport, so it will take about an hour to reach the mosque from the airport. There are two routes to reach the mosque from the airport: driving via D020, which is the shortest and fastest route from the international airport to Hagia Sophia, and the other route is O-7.

Walking to Hagia Sophia:

The nearest tourist landmark to Hagia Sophia is Topkapi Palace, which is only a 4-minute walk away from the mosque. If you want to explore Istanbul like the locals and enjoy all its attractions, try walking to the nearby tourist spots such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

What is the best time to visit Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia Mosque is open for visitors throughout the year. However, the mosque is closed for non-worshipers (tourists) during prayer times and Friday prayers. Generally, the best time to visit Istanbul is during the winter months when the weather is mild and makes it easier to explore the city. During the summer, the heat can be intense, making it less comfortable for visitors to explore the city.

Tips and guidelines for visitors to Hagia Sophia:

1. Dress appropriately: As Hagia Sophia is a religious symbol, it is advised to dress modestly and for ladies to use a headscarf.
2. Shoes are not allowed inside Hagia Sophia.
3. Food consumption or carrying food inside Hagia Sophia is not permitted, as it is a religious symbol and not just a tourist attraction.
4. If you want to learn about the history of Hagia Sophia and explore its prominent features, it is recommended to visit the mosque during a guided tour.
5. Avoid visiting Hagia Sophia on Fridays and during prayer times.
6. Plan your visit to Hagia Sophia during the winter months for a more comfortable experience.

In conclusion, after taking a guided tour to familiarize yourself with the Hagia Sophia Mosque, now is your chance to explore this ancient religious symbol, especially if you are already residing in Istanbul for studying at a Turkish university. You can also contact us for any additional information regarding your stay and studies in Turkey.

Source: Hagia Sophia, a blend of Islamic and Christian Symbols

Turkey, as the bridge between Asia and Europe, is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. It attracts millions of tourists and visitors from various countries to spend enjoyable vacations and memorable holidays in Turkey’s most beautiful tourist attractions, spread across the country from east to west and north to south. In this article, we will explore the most important tourist landmarks that we recommend visiting. Follow along.

Top Tourist Attractions in Turkey

The discussion about Turkey, that enchanting country known for its unique blend of ancient cultures and civilizations such as the Armenians, Romans, and Greeks, never ends. It was also part of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled many countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa for six centuries. Turkey is home to many breathtaking natural landscapes and unique regions worth visiting, such as the country’s beaches, snowy mountains, and historical wonders from Istanbul to Bodrum. Here is a list of 10 of the most important tourist attractions in Turkey.

1. Topkapi Palace

Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Topkapi Palace was originally a luxurious residence built during the Ottoman Empire. The Sultans resided in this palace for 400 years until the 17th century. Today, Topkapi Palace is one of the most visited museums and tourist attractions in Turkey. It showcases the history of Turkey and its treasures.

It is worth mentioning that anyone who visits Topkapi Palace agrees that a tourist trip to Istanbul is incomplete without visiting this museum. The palace is renowned for its jewel-studded decorations, spacious courtyards, serene gardens, and intricate architecture. Visitors inside the museum can witness exquisite exhibitions displaying royal garments, personal portraits, sacred artifacts, and the fifth largest diamond in the world, the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond,” along with many other ancient historical artifacts.

2. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, officially known as the “Sultan Ahmed Mosque,” is one of the most important famous landmarks and tourist attractions in Turkey, attracting many tourists throughout the year. The mosque was built in the early 16th century. It is famous for its luxurious and majestic architectural design and its six minarets, making it the only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets. It is also distinguished by its unique location near the Hagia Sophia, serving as a witness to the achievements and wealth of the Ottomans throughout history.

The Blue Mosque is renowned for its blue interior walls, which consist of 20,000 blue tiles. Although the mosque is still used as a place of worship and welcomes hundreds for prayers, it has also become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul. Like many other mosques, it houses the tomb of its founder.

3. Goreme Open-Air Museum

Goreme Open-Air Museum is located in Cappadocia and preserves a collection of rock-carved churches, some dating back to the 10th and 12th centuries. The churches flourished during that historical period under the supervision of “St. Basil the Great,” one of the prominent Cappadocian Fathers. Many of these churches showcase stunning Byzantine art adorning the ceilings and walls. Elmalı Kilise, or Apple Church, is one of the well-known churches within the open-air museum. Its history dates back to 1050, and it features numerous wall paintings depicting scenes from the Bible, such as the Last Supper. This makes it one of the most significant holy sites and tourist attractions in Turkey.

The museum is famous for its carved stone tablets from the archaeological site dating back 8,000 years in the ancient city of Arslantepe. In addition, it showcases horse figurines and shields created by Anatolian metalworkers, as there are many landmarks to be seen in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to learn about Turkey’s ancient history.

4- Uludağ National Park

Uludağ National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey, located near Istanbul and Bursa. It is home to Mount Uludağ, also known as the Great Mountain, which is the highest point in the Marmara region. The park was known in ancient times as Olympus Mysius and later as Mount Olympus. Uludağ National Park is a major destination for winter sports and summer activities, welcoming over a million visitors annually.

Uludağ Cable Car is the longest cable car in the world, connecting the city of Bursa to Uludağ National Park and the nearby ski resort. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Uludağ, engage in skiing, and hiking, and explore natural wonders and rare species of plants and animals.

5- Aspendos Theater

The city of Aspendos is home to one of the best-preserved ancient theaters from ancient times and is one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey. Aspendos Theater was built in 155 AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It can accommodate a massive audience ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. In the Seljuk era, the theater area was used as caravanserais but has undergone continuous maintenance and repairs, which has helped preserve the theater without losing any of its original features.

6- Hagia Sophia Museum

Hagia Sophia Museum, also known as the “Church of the Holy Wisdom” or “Divine Wisdom Church,” is located next to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It was originally built as a cathedral by the Roman Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, designed by Greek engineers Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. The museum represents a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Visitors can see and explore the main dome, which is 32 meters long with two smaller domes on each side, or the three aisles supported by large marble columns that rise to the dome.

The church was plundered by the Fourth Crusaders in 1204 and became a mosque in the 15th century when the Ottomans captured the city. It was later converted into a museum in 1935 and is now one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey. The museum features columns and marble obtained from ancient ruins in Syria and Anatolia, such as the pink marble from Afyon. The unique mosaics adorn the walls of the Hagia Sophia Museum, including the 6th-century mosaic of Emperor Leo Pantokrator Jesus on the Emperor’s Gate, which dates back to the 6th century and was only used by the emperor.

7- Golden Horn

The Golden Horn is a major urban waterway and the main entrance to the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey and serves as a natural water source connected to the Bosphorus at the point where the strait meets the Sea of Marmara. The waters of the Golden Horn help define the northern boundaries of the peninsula that forms the old city of Istanbul, with its tip being the Sarayburnu or Seraglio Point. Geographically, this inlet separates the historic center of Istanbul from the rest of the city and forms a protected harbor that has safeguarded Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and other maritime trade ships for thousands of years.

8- Ephesus Ruins

The city of Ephesus is a major landmark and tourist destination in Turkey. It is located near Selçuk, about 40 minutes from Izmir, and the city of Orala. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city of great significance and is home to massive ruins near the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Ephesus Ruins are known for their well-preserved Roman cities, which still stand in modern-day Turkey, showcasing what life was like during the golden age of the Roman Empire. The origins of the city date back to the 4th century BC when it was founded by Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great’s generals. Alongside its numerous ruins, there are notable historical sites such as the Church of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Isa Bey Mosque. Other famous historical landmarks include the Great Theater and the Library of Celsus.

9- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is located in the southern part of Ankara Castle, the capital of Turkey. Housed in two Ottoman-era buildings, it is one of the most important tourist attractions in Turkey, drawing visitors from all around the world. The museum serves as an ideal place to explore Turkish history through its high-quality exhibitions, featuring original artifacts from various local archaeological sites.

The museum showcases Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Roman artifacts, among others, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia. For example, the museum houses the Hittite tablets, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, which offer valuable information about the ancient Hittite civilization.

10- Ancient Lycian Tombs

The ancient Lycian tombs are among the oldest major archaeological discoveries and important tourist sites in Turkey. These tombs were discovered in the city of Fethiye and were built for kings and queens, representing architectural wonders dating back to around 350 BC.

The Lycians were a people who lived in Lycia, a prosperous state on the border of the Mediterranean Sea, dating back to 546 BC. The Lycians believed that the deceased was transported to the afterlife by winged creatures, and the location of the Lycian tombs on cliffs represented their belief in bringing the honored dead closer to the heavens. The entrances to the tombs are illuminated by towering classical columns, making a boat trip to see the tombs one of the most popular tourist activities in Turkey.

In conclusion, we have presented in this article 10 of the most important and best tourist attractions in Turkey that we recommend visiting. Turkey is a charming tourist destination that embraces various cultures, civilizations, and tourist attractions.

It’s worth mentioning that Turkey is not only a tourist destination but also a distinctive educational destination, as it houses many renowned universities, making it a destination for international students. Therefore, feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries regarding studying in Turkey and university admissions.

Source: 26 Top Tourist Attractions in Turkey