Written by Istanbul has been the center of numerous conflicts throughout history. From Ancient Greece, Rome, and Byzantium to the Latins, and now the Turks, many states and empires have fought for control of this city. As a result, Istanbul has become undeniably one of the greatest cities in the world. In addition, I have traveled extensively around Istanbul, and I am proud to call it home. Moreover, Istanbul’s historical artifacts have a deep impact on people, as each one carries its own theory, idea, and reason. For this reason, I would like to introduce you to some of Istanbul’s most remarkable historical treasures.
1 – Maiden Tower (Kız Kulesi)
“The pearl of the Bosphorus, the Maiden’s Tower has reopened its eyes.”
In BCE 410, a tower constructed for supervise and get tax from ships. in the 12th century, a defence tower built on the island by the Manuel Komnenos. After the Conquest of Turks, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror (Fatih Sultan Mehmet) had a new castle built at this location. Every evening after bedtime and at dawn, the Mehter watch began to play in the tower. After, about in 1660-1730, A lantern placed on the northern part of the wooden tower by Sultan III, Ahmed’s Grand Vizier, Nevsehirli Damat Ibrahim Pasha, to illuminate the way for ships coming from the Black Sea and Marmara at night. in 1830, the tower was converted into a quarantine hospital to prevent the cholera epidemic from spreading to the city. And in 2000, an extensive restoration process, the tower now rented to a private facility for tourist purposes.
The Maiden Tower been topic of so many stories and movies in thousand years. So many love stories lived in here. If you go to Istanbul, you should to go there.
2 – Taksim Square
Situated in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network. Taksim Square is also the location of the Republic Monument which was crafted by Pietro Canonica and inaugurated in 1928. The monument commemorates the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence.
Taksim Square is my favorite place in Istanbul. There is so many shops, churchs, mosques and restaurants. And i want to give a information about Taksim Square, Taksim Square has world’s second-oldest subway line (1875) after London’s Underground (1863). If you will go to Taksim Square, certainly look to St. Antuan Church, Cumhuriyet Museum and The Taksim Mosque.
3 – Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. Emperor Justinian I ordered its construction in 537 AD as a cathedral. It served as the center of Orthodox Christianity for nearly 1,000 years. In 1453, Sultan Mehmed II captured Constantinople and transformed it into a mosque. The building remained a mosque for almost 500 years. In 1935, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk secularized it and made it a museum. In 2020, the government converted it back into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia reflects the city’s rich history and stands as a symbol of both Christian and Islamic heritage.
Last Note
For me, Istanbul is City of The Cities in the World. What do you think about Istanbul? Please comment your opinions.
Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Istanbul
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiden%27s_Tower
- https://kizkulesi.gov.tr