TOPKAPI PALACE + HAREM
We visit one of the most popular and visited palaces in Istanbul - Topkapi Palace. It is located in the historical part of the city, on a peninsula between the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. This palace is one of the most special buildings of the city, it keeps a thousand years of history and secrets of the Ottoman Empire.
Topkapi Palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed after the Ottoman Empire conquered Istanbul.
Topkapi was the administrative, educational and artistic centre of the Ottoman Empire for about 400 years before the arrival of the 31st Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid. The palace was the residence of the sultans and their families.
HAREM
Walking around the palace, we will visit the most mysterious and fascinating, with its architectural details, its part is the harem. Walking through the Harem, which has about 400 interconnected rooms, fascinates and inspires every visitor.
It is easy to get lost in this part of the palace, as the many rooms, corridors, apartments and small courtyards, which are similar to each other, can easily resemble a labyrinth with no entrances or exits. But we will guide you through each of them, telling you the secrets, the mysteries and the interest of the stories that have taken place here.
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
In each city there is a list of places to visit and during our tour we will visit the Sulaymaniye Mosque, as it is the first place in the list of special places in Istanbul. The magnificent creation of architect Sinan.
The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important examples of classical architecture of the Ottoman Empire.
It is located in the Fatih district, near the spice bazaar, Grand Bazaar and has great religious significance.
Sulaymaniye Mosque is known to the public as “the mosque that will not be destroyed forever.” This name emphasizes that the structure is extremely durable.
The building was distinguished not only for its religious mission, but also for educational purposes. At one time it was used as a social complex.
THE TOMBS of SULTAN SÜLEYMAN and ROXOLANA
After a walk through the mosque, we will take you to the tombs of the famous Sultan Suleiman and his beloved Roxolana.
The tombs are located in the backyard of the Sulaymaniye Mosque. The tomb of Hürrem Sultan (the name Roksolana was given after she converted to Islam) is next to that of her husband, in an octagonal building built according to all the traditions of the Ottoman Empire of that time.
You will see the tombs not only of the famous Sultan and his wife, but also of their children, Khatije and Mehmed Sultan.
ŞEHZADE MOSQUE
Our tour does not end here, we will visit the equally important and interesting mosque of Istanbul - Shehzadeh.
This mosque was built by the famous Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and marked the beginning of his brilliant career.
A huge square base with a chic central dome was the architect's calling card.
The Shehzadeh Mosque marked the beginning of Istanbul's architectural style, which we used to call "Ottoman style".
