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Istanbul - History |
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Dolmabahce Palace Built in the
mid l9th century by Sultan Abdulmecit, it has an impressive six hundred
meter frontage on the Istanbul Bogazi. The most important part is the vast
reception salon, with 56 columns, and a huge, seven hundred and fifty
bulbs, crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons. The architecture of the Harem
is a stark contrast to that of the rest of the palace. The Bird Pavilion,
where birds from all over the world were kept, is unique to this palace.
Ataturk, founder of the
Turkish Republic, died here on the
l0th of November 1938. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)
Yildiz Palace This palace
includes a complex of pavilions and a mosque, which were built over a long
period and finally completed by Abdόlhamit II at the end of the 19th
century. The Sale, largest and most exquisite of the buildings, reflects
the luxurious life of over a century ago. Yildiz Palace is set in a very
large park of flowers with plants and trees brought from every part of t
he world. Situated on the top of a hill, it has one of the most beautiful
panoramic views of the Istanbul Bogazi. Due to restoration work only the
Sale and park are open to the public. (Open every day except Monday and
Thursday) Goksu Pavilion (Kucuk Su) it
takes its name from the famous streams nearby. Built by Abdulmecit in the
middle of the 19th century, it was used as a summer residence. (Open every
day except Monday and Thursday)
Ihlamur Pavilion Built in the
19th century, it takes its name from the linden trees that grow in
abundance in the garden. The Merasim Pavilion was the scene of official
ceremonies and the Maiyet Pavilion housed the sultan's entourage and on
occasion ns his Harem. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)
Ahmet III Fountain standing at
the entrance to Topkapi Palace and built in 1729 as a gift to Ahmet III,
it is one of the most magnificent freestanding fountains. Highly
ornamented and covered with a pointed roof with deep eaves, it is a fine
example of fountain architecture.
Galata Tover This huge tower,
built by the Genoese in 1348, is 62 meters high. From the top there is a
wonderful view of the Golden Horn and the Istanbul Bogazi. It now houses a
restaurant, nightclub and bar. Beyazit Tower Situated on the
grounds of Istanbul University, it was built by Mahmut II in 1828 as a
fire tower, and is 85 meters high.
Bozdogan-Valens Aqueduct Built
by the Emperor Valens in 36B AD, this aqueduct supplied the Byzantine and
later the Ottoman palaces with water. About 900 meters of the double tier
arches remain. Kiz Kulesi (The Tower of
Leander) Known as Leander's Tower, Kiz Kulesi is one of the romantic
symbols of Istanbul. First constructed in the l2th century on a tiny islet
at the entrance to Istanbul Harbour the present building dates from the
18th century. |
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Topkapi
Palace Overlooking the Istanbul Bogazi and the Marmara Sea stands the maze
of buildings that was the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the
15th to the 19th centuries. The first courtyard is a magnificent wooded
garden. On the right o f the second court, shaded by cypress and plane
trees is the palace kitchen, now housing an exquisite collection of
crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, while on the left is the Harem,
the secluded quarters of the wives and concubines of the sultan. The third
court contains the Audience Hall of the sultan, the Library of Sultan
Ahmet III, an exhibition of robes worn by the sultans and their families,
the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury and lastly, an exhibition of
miniatures. In the centre of the third court is the Pavilion of the Holy
Mantle enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. (Open every day except
Tuesday) 
Beylerbeyi Palace On the Asian
side of the Istanbul Bogazi, Sultan Abdulaziz built this palace of white
marble in the l9th century. It possesses a beautiful garden with magnolia
trees. It was used as a summer residence of the sultans and a guest house
for visiting foreign dignitaries. (Open every day except Monday and
Thursday) 
Aynali
Kavak Summer Pavilion Originally built in the 18th century and restored by
various sultans. It takes its present name (Mirrored Poplar) from the time
of the installation of the mirrors (1718). The mirrors were given as a
gift by the Venetian s. This palace on the Golden Horn is one of the most
beautiful examples of traditional Turkish architecture. (Open every day
except Monday and Thursday) 
Primarily
Sultan Abdόlaziz as a hunting lodge constructed Maslak Pavilions, the
buildings on this shady green hill.
The architectural style and decoration of the Ottoman period is
interesting. Limonluk Green House is a fine example of this. A cup of tea
taken in the cafe opening on to the Limonluk is most relaxing. (Open every
day except Monday and Thursday) Sultan Ahmet Square In front of the Blue
Mosque is the site of the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races
and the centre of Byzantine civic life. On the monuments which once
decorated it only three remain: the Obelisk of Teodosius, the bronze
Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Remains from the curved
end section of the Hippodrome's wall can be seen to the south of the three
monuments. Today, it is the centre of historical, cultural and touristy
activities. The square, with its surroundings, is like an open-air museum.
The l8th century houses on Sogukcesme Street, delightfully restored, are
now guesthouses for tourists and also contain a fascinating library of
books on Istanbul. 
Rumeli
Hisari The Rumelian Fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior
to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months. One of the
most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world; it is
now used as the setting for some of the events of the Istanbul Festival.
(Open every day except Mondays) 
The Istanbul Land Walls Built
in the 5th century by the Emperor Theodosius II, the walls (with some
sections
completely restored) stretch 7 km from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden
Horn. With many towers and bastions, they were once the mightiest
fortifications in Christendom. UNESCO has declared the land walls, and the
area, which they enclose, one of the cultural heritages of the world. 
