Architecture
Cistern Basilica
The Cistern Basilica also called the "Yerebatan Sarnici" is a cistern built for water storage purposes during the Byzantine Period in the 6th century AD. Cistern Basilica is the biggest of some hundred cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul. Ci…Ciragan Palace
Ciragan Palace ("C" pronounced as "ch" in Turkish) was constructed by Armenian architect Serkis Balyan in 1871 in Istanbul, as appointed by Sultan Abdul Aziz, from the ruins of the old palace. This was a period (towards the end of…Dolmabahce Palace
Being one of the most touristic sites of Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecit in the 19th century. Dolmabahce Palace lies on the European coast of the Bosphorus. Dolmabahce Palace was constructed between 1843 an…Goreme
After the eruption of the Mount Erciyes about 2000 years ago, the Cappadocia Region, Goreme being the heart of the region, was covered with ash. This ash hardened and became so-called tufa which is basically soft rock. In the meantime, with water and…Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi - Covered Bazaar) is one of the oldest and biggest closed bazaars in the world. Grand Bazaar is one of the most interesting attractions in Istanbul. Consisting of a huge labyrinth of about 70 twisting streets crammed wit…Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish) undoubtedly is the mother church of all Eastern Christians of the Byzantine tradition either the Orthodox or the Greek Catholic. Ancient Historians' records show that in the first millennium, the site of Hagia Sophi…Sultanahmet Mosque
Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, was built by Sultan Ahmet between 1609-1616. Sultanahmet is one of the most famous Ottoman constructions. The Mosque overlooks Istanbul from the Historical Peninsula. Only 200 meters away from the By…Topkapi Palace
One of the most striking and popular places to visit in Istanbul is Topkapi Palace, the symbolic and political centre of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. Topkapi Palace is located on the land where the Golden Horn, the Sea of M…Virgin Mary House
The Virgin Mary House near Ephesus and Selcuk (8 km southwest) located on Bulbul Mountain, is belived to be the house of Virgin Mary where she died. According to the ancient historians Virgin Mary visited Ephesus with St. Paul at 45 AD and the local …