▲ The Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) was constructed during the reign of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian (532–537 AD), when the Byzantine Empire was at its peak. After the decline of the Byzantine Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a Turkish mosque dedicated to Allah. Today, it serves as a religious museum shared by both Christians and followers of Muhammad.
▲ As one of the top ten most coveted churches in the world, Hagia Sophia fully showcases exceptional architectural artistry, making it a design template for later Islamic mosques. The golden glow of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in the mural above the dome radiates magnificently.
▲ Inside the church, there is a Weeping Column where visitors place their thumbs in the hole and rotate their other fingers around it as a prayer for health and safety.
▲ Located diagonally across from the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) was built in 532 AD and served as an underground water reservoir from the Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire periods. This 140-meter-long and 70-meter-wide cistern could store 100,000 tons of water, and fish still swim in it today. In addition to being an ancient reservoir, it was also once used as a military ammunition depot.
▲ A grand palace constructed with 336 massive stone pillars, each intricately carved with exquisite patterns. Inside the palace, there are two inverted stone sculptures of Medusa's heads, which were excavated from a 2-meter-thick layer of silt during the 1984 renovation. The echoing sound of dripping water, combined with the eerie legends, seems to transport you into another mysterious world.
▲ The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, took seven years to complete and stands as an iconic landmark in Istanbul. Its walls are adorned with blue Iznik tiles from Türkiye's renowned ceramic town, featuring intricate floral patterns against a white background, creating an overall blue ambiance throughout the mosque.
▲ The Blue Mosque is the largest domed structure in Istanbul, surrounded by six minarets. It is the only mosque in the world with six towering minarets and is considered one of the top ten wonders of the world.
▲ The Bosphorus, serving as the boundary between Asia and Europe, connects the Sea of Marmara, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean, while also functioning as a vital transportation link between the two continents. When taking a boat tour, you can experience the fascinating geographical shift—one moment you're in Asia, and the next, you're in Europe. The deep blue waters rise and fall, with boats of all sizes either anchored or gliding through. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, seagulls soar above the sea. Here, a cruise is a must to fully appreciate the scenery along both shores. No other city embraces a strait quite like Istanbul. Sailing through, you can admire the mosques and palaces lining the banks, pass under bridges, and take in panoramic city views while witnessing the seamless blend of sea and sky. With seabirds dancing overhead, the sea breeze whispering in your ears, and waves gently rolling, it's a truly delightful experience.
▲ The Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi), originally built as a lighthouse by Byzantine Emperor Anastasius in 507, was initially constructed from wood but was burned down during the Crusades. It was later rebuilt in stone by the Genoese in 1348. From the Galata Tower, visitors can enjoy a bird's-eye view of parts of Istanbul, as well as performances such as Oriental belly dancing and midnight shows.
