About Çamlıca Tower

Camlica Tower is primarily used for broadcasting purposes, playing a pioneering role in Turkey's radio and television industry. It serves as a centralized location for numerous transmitters, eliminating interference and visual pollution caused by scattered transmitters. By consolidating these transmitters, Camlica Tower enhances energy efficiency and contributes to the development of Turkey's broadcasting capabilities. Standing at a height of 587 meters, it is Istanbul's tallest structure and holds symbolic significance as an architectural landmark.

Architectural Design of Çamlıca Tower

Camlica Tower, designed by Melike Altınışık Architects (MAA), showcases an exquisite architectural design that draws inspiration from the Tulip flower, a symbol of the Ottoman period. The tower's structure is a seamless and unified piece, representing the roots and feeder stem of the tulip. The upper floors of the tower, including the viewing terrace and restaurant, emulate the shape of a tulip bud waiting to bloom, adding an artistic touch to the overall design.

As visitors embark on their journey through Camlica Tower, they are greeted by panoramic elevators that ascend from the ground floor to the pinnacle of the tower. These elevators symbolize the iconic Bosphorus Strait, which serves as both a geographical and cultural divide between the continents of Europe and Asia. Just as the Bosphorus unifies these two distinct regions, the elevators seamlessly integrate the various floors of the tower, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

The thoughtful incorporation of architectural elements such as the Tulip-inspired design and the Bosphorus-inspired elevators adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the Camlica Tower. Beyond its functionality as a broadcasting hub and observation deck, the tower stands as a testament to the fusion of art, nature, and technology. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Istanbul while enjoying breathtaking views of the cityscape from its magnificent observation deck.

Unveiling Istanbul's Splendor

Perched atop Camlica Tower, visitors are treated to a 360-degree view that showcases Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the vistas are sure to leave you in awe. Gaze upon the majestic Bosphorus Strait as it winds its way through the city, connecting Europe and Asia. Marvel at the architectural wonders such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, beautifully silhouetted against the skyline. As the sun sets, watch as the city lights twinkle and dance, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates the senses.

A Multifaceted Experience

The Camlica Tower Observation Deck is more than just a vantage point. It offers a range of attractions and amenities to enhance your visit. After taking in the breathtaking views, head to the on-site restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious cuisine while still reveling in the mesmerizing scenery. Alternatively, relax at the café and savor a cup of Turkish coffee as you soak up the atmosphere.

For those seeking to delve deeper into Istanbul's rich history and culture, the observation deck features informative displays and interactive exhibits. Learn about the city's fascinating past, architectural marvels, and cultural heritage, immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Istanbul's story.

Technical Marvels of Camlica Tower

Camlica Tower boasts impressive technical specifications that contribute to its standing as a modern architectural marvel. With a height of 369 meters, it holds the distinction of being the tallest tower in Istanbul and the Balkans. Its slender, tapered profile widens towards the top, accentuating its unique and contemporary design.

Constructed using reinforced concrete and steel, the tower required an impressive amount of resources. It took approximately 2.5 years to complete, with 44,000 cubic meters of concrete and 5,000 tons of steel utilized in its construction. The tower comprises 54 floors above ground and 4 floors below, housing observation decks, restaurants, entertainment facilities, offices, and conference rooms.

The tower's two observation decks, located at heights of 220 meters and 268 meters, provide unrivaled viewpoints. Reach them effortlessly via high-speed elevators, offering a thrilling ascent at speeds of up to 7 meters per second.

Technical Specs of Camlica Tower

Height: The Camlica Tower stands at an impressive height of 369 meters (1,211 feet), making it the tallest tower in Istanbul, Turkey, and the tallest structure in the Balkans.

Design: The tower features a modern and futuristic design with a slim and tapered profile that widens towards the top. It has a hexagonal floor plan with triangular facets and a captivating glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape.

Construction: The tower was constructed using a combination of reinforced concrete and steel. Approximately 44,000 cubic meters (1.55 million cubic feet) of concrete and 5,000 tons of steel were used during the construction process. It took around 2.5 years to complete, with the tower officially opening in March 2019.

Floors: Camlica Tower consists of 54 floors above ground and 4 floors below ground. The total floor area spans approximately 120,000 square meters (1.29 million square feet). The upper floors are dedicated to observation decks, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, while the lower floors house offices, conference rooms, and other commercial spaces.

Observation Decks: The tower features two observation decks—one located at a height of 220 meters (722 feet) and another at 268 meters (879 feet). Both decks offer panoramic views of Istanbul and its surroundings. Visitors can access these decks using high-speed elevators capable of reaching speeds of up to 7 meters (23 feet) per second.

Sustainability: Camlica Tower incorporates several sustainable features. It includes energy-efficient lighting and heating systems to minimize energy consumption. Rainwater harvesting systems help conserve water resources, while a green roof contributes to reducing heat island effects and improving air quality in the vicinity.

Capacity: The tower can accommodate up to 4,500 visitors at a time and has a total capacity for approximately 10,000 people across its various facilities. This ample capacity ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

These technical specifications showcase the impressive engineering and architectural achievements of the Camlica Tower, making it a remarkable structure in Istanbul's skyline.

A Sustainable Landmark

Camlica Tower also stands as a testament to sustainable architecture. Energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, rainwater harvesting, and a green roof contribute to its environmentally conscious design. The tower's commitment to sustainability not only reduces its carbon footprint but also helps improve air quality and minimize heat island effects in the surrounding area.

An Enthralling Visitor Experience

With a capacity of up to 4,500 visitors at a time, Camlica Tower offers an immersive and enjoyable experience for all. Since its opening in 2019, it has become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul, drawing visitors from around the world.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, a visit to Camlica Tower Observation Deck is an essential part of your Istanbul itinerary. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking views, the seamless blend of modernity and heritage, and the opportunity to witness Istanbul's enchanting allure from new heights.

In conclusion, the Camlica Tower Observation Deck stands as a remarkable testament to Istanbul's architectural prowess, offering visitors an extraordinary perspective of the city. With its stunning panoramic views, enticing dining options, and a chance to immerse oneself in Istanbul's rich history, Camlica Tower provides an experience that will leave a lasting impression on every visitor. Embark on a journey to the skies and discover the magical beauty that awaits at the Camlica Tower Observation Deck.

The Valens Aqueduct is 971 meters long, with a peak height of about 29 meters. It is not an entirely straight and regular structure because some of its components were reconstructed at various points throughout time. In contrast, the arches between 41 and 45 and 52 to 56 were rebuilt during the reigns of Mustafa II and Suleyman I, respectively. As can be seen, the arches between 1 – 40 (including 1 and 40) and 46 – 51 have remained unchanged from the time of Emperor Valens.

Uncertain circumstances surround how the bent section near the Fatih Mosque got to be that way, which attracts particular notice. Even though its stonework appears to be nearly flawlessly regular from a distance, closer examination reveals that ashlar blocks and bricks were combined to build it.

The aqueduct's breadth is also asymmetrical, with its largest point measuring 8.24 meters and its narrowest at 7.75 meters. The pillars are 3.70 meters thick and currently extend 6 meters below the surface.

If you look at the Valens Aqueduct map, you can see that the water that joins together near Edirnekapi comes from the northeast and the northwest parts of the Valens Aqueduct. The daily discharge measured in the 1950s was around 6,000 m3.

Where Is The Valens Aqueduct?

Sarachane Park and the Aqueduct of Valens Istanbul are both in Istanbul's Fatih neighborhood. Simply board the M2 Yenikapi-Hacisman metro line and exit at the Vezneciler – Istanbul University stop to use the metro. The distance to the aqueduct from there is 10 minutes by foot.

The Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi stop is the closest bus stop to the Valens Aqueduct Istanbul if you need to take a bus. Numerous IETT buses, including the 33, 35, 73, 77, 78, 80, 82, and 92, stop here.

You can take the Marmaray from Istanbul's Anatolian side and change to the M2 Yenikapi – Haciosman metro line at the Yenikapi stop.

Other Attractions Near The Valens Aqueduct

The location of Valens Aqueduct in Fatih offers visitors a wealth of additional locations to discover. Join a Best of Istanbul Tour to experience the best that this enchanted city has to offer. It is even safe to argue that Fatih offers some of Istanbul's best attractions.

Your journey will get underway at Istanbul's top tourist destination, the Hagia Sophia Museum. You will be able to skip the wait and see this important architectural landmark for yourself. With a history spanning more than 15 centuries, this museum has carried a tremendous amount of history on its shoulders as both a Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral and an Ottoman imperial mosque.

Next, you will find Basilica Cistern, the city's largest ancient subterranean cistern. Considering that this enormous historical cistern was constructed in the sixth century, it has been providing Istanbul with water for more than 15 centuries. Inside, you'll find a space with more than 300 marble columns that appear to go on forever.

Your next stop will be Topkapi Palace, which is the second most popular tourist destination in Istanbul. One of the most significant structures in Ottoman history, the imperial palace housed numerous sultans and their families for more than four centuries.

You can see a live performance of the Whirling Dervishes, another representation of Turkey, in Hodjapasha. You will be spellbound by the enchanting ceremony performed by the Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order, one of the most significant cultural activities in the world according to UNESCO. Understanding the significance of each individual's gesture and attire is only one more aspect of this experience

Istanbul’s ancient city sits on a triangle peninsula between Europe and Asia. For more than 2500 years, Istanbul has stood between competing waves of religion, culture, and imperial might. For the majority of those years, it was one of the most desired cities in the world, owing to Istanbul’s lengthy history as the hub of empires. Istanbul provides a richness of history and religion to take in. When visiting Istanbul, you should see the Maiden Tower, also known as Kiz Kulesi, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet mosque, and Basilica Cistern. 

Maiden Tower, also known as Leander’s Tower in Turkey, is situated on a tiny islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait, 200 meters from the coasts of Kadikoy and Üsküdar on Istanbul’s Asian side. Since the Byzantine era, there has been a tower on tiny islands along the shore of Uskudar at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait. “Maiden Tower” is the tale recounted here about the building in the waters of the Bosphorus strait, between myth and reality “Kiz Kulesi” glows on the Asian side of Istanbul‘s shore. 

Maiden’s Tower’s Untold Story

The most popular tale regarding the maiden’s tower’s building is that there was an emperor who adored his daughter and had a dream in which a snake attacked her and killed her on her 18th birthday. As soon as he awoke, he whisked his daughter away from dry ground to safeguard her in the middle of the strait from any snakes. Until she becomes 18 years old. The princess was put in the tower, where she was only visited by her father on a regular basis. The emperor gave the princess a basket of fruits as a birthday gift on her 18th birthday, pleased that he had been able to avert the prophesy. When the little princess reached inside the basket, a tiny snake that had been lurking among the fruit bit her, and she died in her father’s arms. Because of her father’s grief over her, the location was dubbed “the girl tower.” 

The tower remained abandoned for many years until it was utilized as a halt for ships crossing the Black Sea in 1100. It was utilized as a watchtower during the Siege of Constantinople in 1453, and it remained such until the earthquake in 1509. After being restored, it was utilized as a beacon until 1829, when it was converted into a quarantine facility. It has now become a tourist attraction, with tourists able to access it by boat in 10 minutes. 

There are other cafés and restaurants on Istanbul’s shore opposite the Maiden Tower that are popular with both visitors and residents who want to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Maiden Tower. 

Today, the best way to serve you by the tower is to sit in front of it and stretch your legs in a very simple setting to drink tea, play “table,” or eat nuts or whatever you want, and watch the beuatiful Bosphorus.  Following this enjoyable and informative trip, you may visit the most significant tourist attractions in Istanbul that are situated nearby.

Pain of the admiral

One of the oldest stories about the Maiden’s Tower dates back to the period when Istanbul, or Byzantium as it was called at that time, was under the sovereignty of Athens. According to this story, the Kingdom of Athens sent 40 ships under the command of Admiral Hares to protect Byzantium against the possibility of an attack by the King of Macedonia, Philip. When Hares’ beloved wife Damalys did, he had her buried in a grave that was carved on his order within the rocks here.

Leandra’s love

According to another legend, a young man named Leandra fell in love with a girl here. While he swims all the way from the other side to meet his darling every night, the girl lit a fire over the rocks to show him the way. On a stormy night, the fire that the girl lights for Leandra fades. Leandra cannot find the rocks on which the Maiden’s Tower stands and loses his way. He is drowned in the cold and dark water. His lover cannot bear his loss and takes her own life.

The Snake and Death

The legend about the Byzantine era ends sadly too. Fortune tellers inform the King that “the death of his beloved daughter will be caused by a snake”. Because the King does not want his daughter to be poisoned by a snake, he has a house built on the rocks where the Maiden’s Tower stands, and locks up the princess in there. However, a young officer falls in love with the King’s daughter. One day he prepares a bunch of flowers to offer to the princess. But a snake hides within the flowers, and bites the princess, who soon dies.

And Others

In a Battal Gazi legend associated with the Seljuk era, we have a ‘happy ending’. When Battal Gazi falls in love with the daughter of the Governor of Üsküdar, the Governor imprisons his daughter in a tower here. Battal Gazi hears of this, attacks the tower, and runs away with the Governor’s daughter. Evliya Çelebi’s story takes place in the Ottoman era. Çelebi writes that there was a holy man living in the Maiden’s Tower in Sultan Bayezid’s time, and he would pull the skirts of his cloak together, sit on the sea, and go to Sarayburnu every day to tutor the Sultan.

An ‘Old’ Friend

When we put the legends aside and look at the hard evidence, we see that the first clear information about the presence of a ‘man-made’ building on the rocks ashore Üsküdar belongs to 12th century. The records reveal that Byzantine Emperor Manuel Komnenos I had two defensive towers built on the Marmara side of the Bosphorus. One of them was where the Maiden’s Tower now stands, and the other one was on the shore of Sarayburnu. We also know today that there was even a chain extended between these towers to prevent smuggling by the sea. Byzantine chroniclers also noted that Ottoman Sultan Orhan came to Uskudar, and that Orhan’s father-in-law Kantakuzenos came to the Maiden’s Tower from the opposite side to send delegates to Sultan Orhan. There is information on a Venetian naval squad having used this place as a base at the time of the conquest of Constantinople. After the conquest, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror had a castle built on the rocks where the Maiden’s Tower is now placed.

The biggest repair work on the castle in the Ottoman era was undertaken in the time of Mahmud II (1808–1839). This restoration, which was documented in Calligrapher Rakim’s inscription and finished in 1832–1833, gave the Maiden’s Tower the shape that it has today. The tower was then surrounded with reinforced concrete in 1943. It was handed over to the Military in 1959 and kept as a radar station for some time. The Maiden’s Tower was devolved to the Maritime Enterprises of Turkey in 1982, and was even used as a cyanide depot for a while.

The ‘New’ Tower

The Maiden’s Tower remained ruinous and neglected for a long time. It spent long hours alone with its guardsman. In the 80s, a holding restored the Maiden’s Tower and rented it for a long term. After a long time, people had the chance to step on the Maiden’s Tower, to see it from a close distance, to touch it…the team that realized the restoration used all the accessible data they could find, especially in university archives and libraries, and assessed all those written resources, archival records, engravings, old photographs, oral and written communications one by one. After the restoration work started, some historical discoveries that were not foreseen came to the foreground.

Long Live The Maiden’s Tower!

If you have something to eat at the lower floor of the Maiden’s Tower, which functions as a restaurant, what would you think? In the place on which you are sitting, what may have happened a thousand years ago? Are the stories true or mere legends? As there are so many legends, is there a seed of truth? Did the Maiden’s Tower see both love and war? I don’t know if you think of these things when you are having your meal in the Maiden’s Tower, but even if you don’t have a meal, what about drinking a cup of tea and watching the glorious city from the top of the tower, only to fall in love with it once again? There are motorboats from Salacak, Kabataş and Ortaköy to the ‘new’ tower. You can stop by and visit this ancient friend, so that you can witness all the legends yourself.

The fortress is located on the Asian side of the Istanbul (Beykoz) at the narrowest point of the Bosphorous, a 14^th century castle from the Ottoman’s first attempt to capture Istanbul will take you to an amazing experience. The fortress was built in 1395 on the ruins of an old temple dedicated to Zeus by the Sultan Yildirim Bayezit, and is made up of a citadel and its exterior walls, after the conquest of Istanbul it lost much of its strategic importance and was converted into a military hospital, the fortress is smaller in size when you compare to Rumeli Hisari on the European side. Its towers are about 82 feet high (25 meters) with a thickness of 7-16 feet (around 2-5 meters).

In our modern day the castle is an open museum but only the outer walls can be visited, and the road passes just through it, and it is free to visit.

Since you are already interested in visiting the Asian Side check our Bosphorous Cruise & Asian Side Tour to live an experience you will never forget.

Rumeli Hisari (Rumeli Fortress)

Rumeli Hisari was built by the Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in just four months and directly on the opposite side to Anadolu Hisari in 1452 in preparation for the final attack on Constantinople which led to the downfall of the Byzantine Empire. It is located on the European side of the Bosphorous and in the northernmost district of Istanbul. Set within the lower part of the recently built Bosphorous University Campus, in a city where there is so much love and magic to discover. It occupies an area of 60.000 m2 (16 acres), had 4 main and 1 smaller gate, and 3 large towers and 1 smaller tower. From a small mosque inside only its minaret survived from an earthquake but was always restored, the final restoration was done in 1953 and opened as a museum to the public and hosts many concerts in its amphitheater usually during or around the Summer time, despite damages Rumeli Hisari still breathes history.

Every year thousands of tourists come to this great city and follow a tradition of taking a Bosphorous cruise and see the magnificent caste from afar, few of them know that this great building played an important role in the siege and Fall of Constantinople in 1453.

Its highly scenic setting overlooking the Fatih Sultan Bridge that links Europe and Asia, the site includes remains of the fortification walls with towers and gates.

Yedikule (Fortress Of 7 Towers)

Istanbul’s amazing Fortress of 7 Towers was where the ambassadors of foreign powers that had displeased the Ottoman Empire awaited their fate.

You can go to the castle by a train but you may want to consider an Istanbul Tour so you can visit every other relics left by the Ottoman Empire.

The castle was not always a prison, it was first built as the Golden Gate in the times of Byzantine Empire, and the twin square towers of the Golden Gate are now just two of the seven towers of the fortress. The Golden Gate was the monumental and ceremonial entrance to the city, with four huge towers, its massive doors were indeed once covered in gold.

After Mehmet the Conqueror conquered Constantinople in 1453 he added three towers to make it a fortress.

The fortress is located near the Sea of Marmara, precisely in Fatih Yedikule Meydani, the walls of the fortress extend to 6.5 km northward to Ayvansaray on the Golden Horn.

There also several interesting old fortresses in Istanbul to checkout such as Kavagi Fortress and Rumeli Kavagi Fortress both of them were built during the Byzantine era at the entrance of the Bosphorous from the Black Sea.

Get to know Istanbul’s history more by checking the Magnificent Istanbul tour and the treasures left by the great Ottoman Empire. What are you waiting for? Go for it.

Discovering a city starts in the streets and continues to visit its famous buildings. Istanbul has many famous buildings to visit and it means there are so many stories to listen to. You may even be confused about where to start your Istanbul journey and find many alternative lists.

Here an amazing list for the famous buildings in Istanbul!

Galata Tower:

It is in Taksim and you can go there by walking from Karaköy or Taksim Square. The Genoese colony built the tower for defense in the 14th century. They called it “Tower of Christ” and to see their traces you may attend to Galata- Geneose Walks. It was also used for the detection of the fire during the Ottoman Empire. It stands on one of the Istanbul hills like a mysterious guardian of the city for a year. A city legend about the Galata Tower says that if you visit the tower with your lover, you will marry him/her. A real story about the tower is that Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi flew to Üsküdar from Galata Tower by using his wing-like apparatus. Today, when you visit the tower, you can climb its terrace and enjoy one of the best views of Istanbul. Besides, you may have your meal in its restaurant, yet you need to make a reservation before.

Maiden Tower:

It is in the middle of the Bosphorus and you can visit there by getting in little boats from the seaside of the Üsküdar. It was built around B.C. 410 and used for many purposes such as defense tower or lighthouse. According to an old legend, a Byzantium king built the tower for his daughter since she was cursed and would be killed by a poisonous snake. Unluckily, the princess could not escape from her curse and a poisonous snake came to the tower within a basket of fruit. You may spend your day in Üsküdar and finish your day by visiting the Maiden Tower. There are a museum side and a restaurant side within the tower. You may enjoy your dinner by watching the Istanbul sky and busy ferries.

Hagia Sophia:

It is in Fatih district and you can go there by getting in the tram from Eminönü. It was built at the beginning of the Middle Ages and used as a cathedral. According to a legend, when Byzantium emperor Justinian opened the Hagia Sophia, he said “Solomon, I have surpassed you.” by referring to king Solomon who had an enormous wealth as it was mentioned in the Bible. During the Ottoman Empire, it was used as a mosque and repaired many times. Today, it is a museum and when you entered there, you were amazed by its magnificent atmosphere. It has lovely figures and scenes from the bible on its walls. Besides, it is an architectural miracle in the world with its huge dome. When you visit there, you can see Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) stands nearby the Hagia Sophia as its companion for many years. You can attend to Blue Mosque Area- Ottoman & Byzantine Heritage as well and finish your day by listening to other stories about those lovely buildings.

Ortaköy Mosque:

Visiting Ortaköy Mosque and taking a photo with this magnificent view is a must to prove you visited Istanbul. This mosque was built during the last centuries of the Ottoman Empire. At that time, Ottomans were interested in the art of Western countries. This mosque is one of the symbolic buildings you can see traces of this interest. It has magnificent details and craftsmanship on its walls. Another fact makes this mosque famous is that it is built just nearby the Bosphorus and the bridge of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (FSM). You can visit there along the day or at night. There were so many little stores to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. If you were hungry, you should try “kumpir” as a tasteful lunch. Besides, you should also try the Ortaköy waffle as a dessert.

Discovering Istanbul starts in its lovely streets and continues to visit its famous buildings. There are so many buildings wait for you to tell amazing stories. Galata Tower will tell you the story of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi and present a wonderful Istanbul view. Maiden Tower will welcome you in the middle of the sea and tell the legend of the unlucky princess. Hagia Sophia will appear as an old fairy to tell stories of the Byzantium emperor and Ottoman Sultans as well. Ortaköy mosque will appear as a gorgeous nixie nearby the Bosphorus.

Visit Istanbul to learn other mysterious stories and legends. You can visit istanbul.com to learn more about Istanbul before you came.

The Anatolian Fortress can be considered as typical example of the military architecture of the Ottoman. In its construction, bricks were also employed in addition to the square-cut block stones. The primary structure of the fortress, established on the narrow area where the Göksu brook flows into the Bosphorus, is constituted by a high rectangular tower. Walls enclose this tower that functions as an internal castle. This tower and the internal wall are buttressed by a second rampart. These ramparts are surrounded by bastions. This rampart functions as an external castle. Apart from it, the tower is composed of the primary castle, internal rampart, external rampart and three secondary towers.

The major function of the Anatolian Fortress during the siege of Istanbul was, like the Rumelian Fortress, to ensure the control of navigations through the Strait. During the years following the conquer of Istanbul, the fortresses also took a vital role in avoiding the threats coming from the Black Sea in addition to securing the Turkish sovereignty in the Strait.

Today, the fortresses are ranked among the top values that bring extra beauty in the Bosphorus’ silhouette.

The Maiden Tower or (Kız Külesi) is Istanbul’s big mark towers. It is so famous it can be found in almost any Turkish series or movies. It lies in the little straight of the Bosporus in the middle of the water. It can be even seen from the skies if you are familiar with Istanbul structure. The Maiden Tower is located beside Üsküder in the Asian side of Istanbul. It is good to mention that you can buy ticket to jump into a small boat that can take you to the tower itself. The tower itself has a small quite restaurant with an amazing view to the European and Asian side of Istanbul. The view gets better earlier in the morning and in the golden hour through the sunset. In the opposite side you may pass by the small wooden seats and tables to have your Turkish Tea while enjoying the sea breeze and the charming sun beauty. It is very recommended to take a picture of your glass of your tea with the tower and post it into your social accounts.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque / Aya Sofia Mosque:

It is pretty hard to mention one without the other because both of the mosques are facing each other in Sultan Ahmet Square. The Sultan Ahmet Square is located in the European side and it is accessible by the tram mostly through Laleli market. Hagia Sofia is used to be Eastern Orthodox Cathedral before it had been turned into a mosque by Sultan Mehmet AlFatih and then to a religion museum. It is one of the most prominent examples of Byzantine architecture and Ottoman decoration. You can buy tickets to enter Aya Sofia and have a look to the inside of the mosque. The attention was directed towards the beautification of the building and a large ornamentation from the inside. Justinian the architect used to gather the possibilities of the empire to decorate and decorate the building. Despite the plaster and painting above geometric decorations and Arabic calligraphy, still many of these layers fell and the ancient scenes appeared below it is so worth to visit.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque also known as The Blue Mosque is a very big mosque lies in front of Hagia Sofia Mosque. It is a very big well-known Islamic symbol. They completed to build the mosque in 1616. It has a center of a large courtyard surrounded by six illuminated columns. It is worth it to visit both of the mosques and walk around between them.

Republic Monument:

One of the most valuable statues for Turkey and the local Turkish people. You can’t pass through Taksim Square without noticing the crowd around it taking some memorial pictures and looking to the smallest details in that statue. It gets its value because it was the first statue built after Turkey’s Independence.
Atatürk and his friends, who wanted to bring a new atmosphere to the state and society, chose Taksim Junction, which has been settled for a long time by the modern section, which is a bit far from the old part of the city to install the Republic Monument. It was built in Italy and brought to Turkey. It took tow and a half year to build. It is important to mention that it has two side representing Turkey’s shifting, the side facing north represents Atatürk in military uniform during the Turkish war of independence, while the other side has Atatürk and his comrades dressed in modern clothing, the former symbolizing his role as military commander-in-chief, and the latter symbolizing his role as statesman.

Turkey in general and Istanbul in specific have a lot to talk about with its rich history and architecture miracles they built back in the day

You can arrive at this small pleasant coastal borough in a one-hour journey, discover the historical fortress, enjoy fish and inhale the relaxing sea odor.

Resembling a small coastal borough along with its historical texture, natural beauty and fish restaurants, the Anatolian Grove, affiliated to the Beykoz district, is one of the attractive areas where you can witness the incomparable charm of the Bosphorus through a merry boat trip taking around one hour.

Serving as an entry gate of the Bosphorus to the Black Sea, this district catches eyes with its two-storey houses located on both sides and its rough cobblestone pavements. After visiting the streets on which various ornamental jewelries and souvenirs are offered, you can climb up to the Yorgos Fortress located in the district. At the fortress that was constructed by the Byzantines and at which you can arrive after driving up a hill of 200 m, you can view a magnificent scene and explore the remains of temples built at one time for the sake of 12 gods there. Seized by the Turks in 1305, the fortress was then carried by the Genoese as at 1348 who blanketed the Black Sea arteries of commerce and then by the Ottomans.

One of the nicest things you can do in the Anatolian Grove is fish delight… You can sit at one of the fish restaurants starting from the quay to which the ferry docks and lying across the whole coastline of the district, or prefer “fish in bread” offered in small boats.

After your meal, you can try “doughnut” that is a traditional Turkish dessert and cooked in great deal throughout the Anatolian Grove, or you can prefer the “ice-cream” which you find rather frequently in the district as well.

The rumelian grove:

This grove is exactly like the Anatolian Grove. It is in the nature of a cute coastal borough within Istanbul renowned for its fish restaurants and to which you can make your way to have a good time.

The Rumelian Grove, located to the north of the Bosphorus, is affiliated to the Sarıyer district. Situated exactly at the entry point to Black Sea, the region has always maintained its strategic significance regardless of the state ruling Istanbul.

The district which we can consider today as the projection of the Anatolian Grove on the European side is, exactly like the Anatolian Grove, in the nature of a fishing village. The district makes you feel that you are in and out of Istanbul at the same time from different aspects is renowned for its fishmongers lined up in rows.

The district, getting into action with the arrival of visitors coming from other regions of the city to savor the fish and sea, is one of the rare and precious locations of Istanbul where the environment is in its “greenest” and the sea is in its “bluest” form. Also, the view encompassing all this beauty stands among the most charming scenes you can find in Istanbul.

The column was erected to honor Constantine in 330 AD, when Istanbul was dedicated as the capital of the Roman Empire. It stood in the center of a large oval-shaped square on top of the second hill of Istanbul. This square, surrounded by colonnades, was called the Forum of Constantine. It is also known as the Burnt Column, or in Turkish, Çemberlitaş. It was originally taller than it is today and was topped by a statue of Constantine dressed as the sun god. The porphyry blocks of the column were cracked by time and by fire, and have been reinforced with iron hoops.

The marble capital dates to the 12th century, and the stone masonry in the lower section to the 18th century. It is believed that a small chamber under the column housed sacred relics of early Christianity. The course of the avenue that passes by the column has not changed since the time of Constantine.

Restoration:

The column is 35 meters tall today. Restoration work has been going on since 1955. Cracks in the porphyry were filled and the metal brackets renewed in 1972. Since 1985, the monuments of the historic peninsula of Istanbul, including the column, have been listed as a World Heritage Site.

(COVER; MELCHIOR LORICHS’ DRAWING (1561) SHOWS THAT THERE WAS A RELIEF ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE COLUMN BASE FACING THE SENAT HOUSE.)

Today:

It is located in the historical peninsula. If you walk from Sultanahmet to Beyazıt Square you will see it right next to the Çemberlitaş Hamamı (A famous Turkish Bath).