Park Dedeman Bostancı

Opulent domes and balconied minarets soar upwards at the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most striking landmarks. Opulent domes and balconied minarets soar upwards at the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most striking landmarks. Built during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I (1603-1617), it is Islam's answer to Hagia Sophia, which it faces across a well-tended square. To this day, the Blue Mosque remains the symbol and centre of religious events in the city and is Istanbul's only mosque with six minarets, as opposed to the four of an imperial Ottoman mosque or two of a traditional neighbourhood mosque. The name of the mosque is derived from the wealth of priceless blue Iznik tiles that dominate its interior and decorate the vast central dome designed to lift all eyes heavenward.

This three-km-long (1.86 miles) pedestrian avenue is the modern heart of Istanbul, and its most vibrant cultural, dining and nightlife district. This three-km-long (1.86 miles) pedestrian avenue is the modern heart of Istanbul, and its most vibrant cultural, dining and nightlife district. Featuring an almost bewildering array of shops and restaurants, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and noteworthy for its beautifully preserved 19th century architecture. It is the perfect place for shopping, a night out on the town, or just a leisurely stroll. The historic tramway, which runs the full length of the avenue, is a fun way to take in the sights if you are pressed for time.

Built facing the Golden Horn, this 17th century market was originally an extension of the New Mosque and financed by a tax paid on the sale of Egyptian goods. Built facing the Golden Horn, this 17th century market was originally an extension of the New Mosque and financed by a tax paid on the sale of Egyptian goods. Sought after for its exotic spices and oils from the Orient, today dried fruits, caviar, and Turkish delight are available as well, and at prices generally lower than in the more famous Grand Bazaar. The market is a central hub of commercial activity for the area, while the surrounding streets are full of local craftspeople and traders who offer, in addition to Turkish coffee and spices, a great selection of cheeses and olives.

The Basilica Cistern was the Byzantine Great Palace’s reservoir and is thought to have been built around 532 B.C. A forest of over 300 columns stands in several feet of water which is home to a large school of blind carp and over which wooden walkways have been constructed. The Basilica Cistern was the Byzantine Great Palace’s reservoir and is thought to have been built around 532 B.C. A forest of over 300 columns stands in several feet of water which is home to a large school of blind carp and over which wooden walkways have been constructed. One of the highlights of the Basilica Cistern is the two columns whose bases are inverted medusa heads, repurposed from a Classical temple.

The Maiden's Tower was built on the small island located in the coast of Salacak in the Bosphorus. The Maiden's Tower was built on the small island located in the coast of Salacak in the Bosphorus. The tower, which became the symbol of Üsküdar, is the only artifact from the Byzantine period in Üsküdar. History of The Maiden's Tower, which dates back to 24 BC, has long been used as a defensive fortress, exile station, prison, quarantine room, radio station, tax point and lighthouse. The tower, which was restored by a private company in 2000, was opened as a cafe and restaurant during the day.

Home to the Ottoman sultans and their court for over 300 years, building of the Topkapi Palace was commissioned by Mehmet the Conqueror, the 23-year-old sultan who captured Constantinople in 1453, making it the capital of the Ottoman Empire and rechristening it Istanbul. Home to the Ottoman sultans and their court for over 300 years, building of the Topkapi Palace was commissioned by Mehmet the Conqueror, the 23-year-old sultan who captured Constantinople in 1453, making it the capital of the Ottoman Empire and rechristening it Istanbul. The palace was constructed between 1459 and 1478 and rapidly grew to become a sprawling complex of elaborate living quarters and administrative offices. The layout of the palace consists a series of interconnected courtyards that progress inwards, becoming increasingly more secluded and private.

The Princes' Islands (Istanbul Islands or Red Islands) are located in the southern coast of Istanbul, and simply called as the Islands. It consists of 9 small islands and two rocks near the shore. At the same time, five of the islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada and Sedefadası), which constitute a district of Istanbul, have settlements. There is no permanent and regular settlement in Sivriada, Yassiada, Kasik Island and Rabbit Island.