Historical Peninsula in Istanbul

Editor Istanbul

Jul 05 981 read

Historical Peninsula in Istanbul

Here's a short tour to the Historical Peninsula, complete with great things to do and see as well as insider tips. The Fatih district currently encompasses Istanbul's ancient peninsula. The Historical Peninsula, which dates back to 685 B.C. and has served as the capital of numerous civilizations throughout the centuries, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, is the most popular tourist destination in Istanbul. The area is the ancient Istanbul inside the city walls, with all the must-see mosques, museums, palaces, and other attractions crammed in.

Byzantine Reign in Istanbul

The Byzantium era left Istanbul with a vast cultural legacy, including the famous Hagia Sophia, the Chora Church, the Pantocrator Monastery, the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, and the Church of Sts Sergius and Bacchus, all of which are still open to the public today. The Byzantine history of the Fener and Balat area is very extensive. Following the capture of Istanbul, the city became the Ottoman Empire's heart and most magnificent capital. Throughout the Historical Peninsula, as well as the beaches of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the city was adorned with a range of magnificent monuments and sites such as stunning mosques, palaces, fountains, and mansions. The Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque, then a museum. The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul used to be divided into two districts, Fatih and Eminonu, however according to recent municipal rules, Eminonu was turned into a neighborhood, and the Historical Peninsula was deemed to be part of the Fatih district. Aksaray, Beyazit, Eminonu, Fener, Haseki, Karagumruk, Kocamustafapasa, Kumkapi, Mahmutpasa, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Sehremini, Tahtakale, and Vefa are some of the neighborhoods on the Historical Peninsula.

Sultanahmet in Historical Peninsula

Sultanahmet is home to the majority of Istanbul's famous tourist attractions. It was formerly the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Sultanahmet is a natural magnet for millions of tourists in Istanbul, with its variety of souvenirs and carpets, restaurants and cafes, hotels and guest houses, and popular sights such as the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. It's simple to go about on foot or by tram since the area is generally traffic-free.

Istanbul's Fatih District

The Fatih Mosque and complex are well-known in the Fatih district core. The complex, which was built in 1463 and is named after Fatih Sultan Mehmed, Istanbul's conqueror, has a hospice, medrese, hospital, caravanserai, library, and baths. Fevzi Pasa Street is the area's major thoroughfare. During the Roman era, it also served as the major street. The Millet Library, the renowned Byzantine column Kiztasi (Maiden's Stone), and the Hrka- Serif Mosque are all popular historical monuments in downtown Fatih.

Eminonu in Istanbul

The Eminonu and adjacent Sirkeci districts are located on the banks of the Golden Horn, just south of the Topkapi Palace. They are one of Istanbul's most popular tourist destinations as well as the city's major transit hub. They have fantastic visitor attractions and amenities, including classic cafÃ©s, restaurants, and high-quality hotels.

Laleli in Historical Peninsula

You'll pass through the Laleli and Aksaray areas on your way down from Beyazit. Along the back alleys, there are many touristy stores, marketplaces, and designer shops selling textiles, particularly to Russian and former Eastern Bloc nations, as well as numerous cafÃ©s, restaurants, hotels, and pensions. The renowned Koska Helvacisi is located on Laleli's main road. We suggest purchasing Turkish sweets and halvah there. The Laleli Mosque, The Big Stone Inn, the Bodrum Mosque (originally Myrelaion Church), Valide Sultan Mosque, Church of Constantine (Fenari Isa Mosque), and Murat Pasha Mosque are among famous historical sites in Laleli.