Hagia sophia (Ayasofya camii) - Blue mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami) - Hipodromme (Sultan Ahmet Meydan) - Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) - The Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) - Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) - Topkapı Palace (Topkapı sarayı)

Istanbul's Historical Peninsula and Galata have hosted the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires for centuries and are one of the most important cultural centers that shaped world history. These 7 iconic landmarks you mentioned reveal both the architectural genius and commercial and cultural richness of the city. The history, importance and remarkable features of these structures are as follows:

Historical and Religious Buildings

Hagia Sophia Mosque (Hagia Sophia): Built as a cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, the structure is one of the oldest and fastest completed cathedrals in the world. It is considered a "masterpiece of world architectural history" with its huge dome and engineering marvel architecture. It was converted into a mosque after Mehmet the Conqueror conquered Istanbul in 1453, and after serving as a museum for a long time during the Republican period, it is now reopened to worship and visit as a mosque. The Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy inside present the synthesis of two great civilizations together.

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque): It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I in 1616, right opposite Hagia Sophia. It has the distinction of being Türkiye's first mosque with 6 minarets. The reason why it is called "Blue Mosque" by foreigners is the more than 20 thousand eye-catching Iznik tiles decorating its interior walls. It is one of the most magnificent examples of classical Ottoman architecture and elegance.

Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Palace): It is the palace built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet after the conquest of Istanbul and was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the administrative center of the state for approximately 400 years. It consists of large labyrinth-like courtyards, the famous Harem chamber, the Sacred Relics room and the sultan's treasures (including the Khashoggi's Diamond). The palace is the place where you can feel the magnificent history of the empire most deeply.

Squares and Observation Towers

Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome): It is a huge hippodrome where chariot (wheel) races, gladiator fights and major state ceremonies were held during the Roman and Byzantine Empires. It was named "Horse Square" during the Ottoman period. Today, three large columns from that ancient period rise in this square: the Obelisk brought from Egypt, the Serpent Column (Burma Column) consisting of intertwined snakes, and the Knitted Obelisk.

Galata Tower: It was built by the Genoese in 1348 as a part of the walls of Istanbul, as a watchtower. During the Ottoman period, it was used as a fire watchtower and a dungeon. It is rumored that Hazarfen Ahmed Çelebi flew from here to Üsküdar with artificial wings. The tower, which serves as a museum today, offers its visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Historical Shopping Malls

Grand Bazaar: It is the oldest and largest covered shopping center in the world, the foundations of which were laid during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in order to revitalize trade. It contains more than 60 streets and nearly 4000 shops. It has been one of the heartlands of world trade throughout history with its jewelers, carpet dealers, antique dealers and leather masters.

Spice Bazaar: It is a historical bazaar built in 1660 to provide income for the New Mosque. It got this name because the spices and goods sold in the shops here during the Ottoman period were generally brought with taxes from Egypt or by ships. Today, it is the center of smells and tastes most visited by tourists, where colorful exotic spices, medicinal plants, nuts, Turkish delights and traditional Turkish delicacies are sold.