Dear Local Guides,
Today, I will tell you about amazing historical city in the world: İstanbul. Old city is called Constantinople in Byzantium. When Roman Empire divided to half as Western Roman Empire and Eastern Roman Empire (known as the Byzantine Empire). Eastern Rome decided to start architecture works to beautify the view of the city. Byzantium Emperors make lots of houses of worships, Empire Palace (famous Hagia Sophia), cisterns, basilicas. İstanbul melts in the same pot both Byzantium and Ottoman Empire culture.
When you come historic peninsula firstly I suggest you eating something delicious for gathering strength to visit wonderful places that very close places to each other. I think correct flavor stop is “Sultanahmet Köftecisi” some kind of meatballs is served with a special spicy sauce and pickle. Then when you are full of energy start with visiting “Hagia Sophia” was build by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century. This architecture is one of the greatest house of worship in both Christian and Muslim worlds. It has mystic and mysterious space. There are lots of myths about here.
Hagia Sophia Deisis Mosaic
You can also see Islamic figures it converted to a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans. Still you can see mosaics figures of Jesus Chirst, Virgin Mary and Byzantium Emperors. And best side of Google Maps I like most you can find information about historical or touristic place ,when it opens- closes , which days you can visit. While your visiting what things you should pay attention? In example have you ever been heard about “Weeping Column” in Hagia Sophia? Emperor Justinian had a headache and doctors couldn’t treat him. One day he prayed God in Hagia Sophia and standed his head to this column and a miracle happened when he lifted his head from column, column was wet and his headache past so it is believed that people put their thumbs inside the hole and twist their hand 360 degrees. If you feel moist on your finger, it means your wish will come true.
Hagia Sophia Marbles and Coloumns in Upper Gallery
I really like share photos about place I recently visit as a Local Guide because I know people want to see touristic places’s photos, 3D views before they went. If they really impressed from the views they decided to go. One thing is important rely: They also rely on Google Map photos and comments so before I bring some information about a place I really research about it and obtain correct information. What is your next stop in the city? Another feature of Google Map that I like is “Suggestions” you can easily recover another popular places on your sphere. On the other and my suggestion is “Basilica Cistern” after visiting Hagia Sophia. Basilica Cistern is the hearth of underground of İstanbul.
Basilica Cistern
Constantinople has always attracted the attention of other states so it has been frequently occupied. This is the reason why lots of cistern has built Byzantium era. They use these cisterns for emperor palace’s water needs or another reasons when the city was under siege. You really wondered about how much cubic meters of water this cistern can hold? Answer is in your Google Map. Place’s comments on Google Map can gives answers like this. By the way its capacity is 80,000 cubic meters of water, the biggest cistern in İstanbul.
The Ottoman side: To understand their perspective please make your next stop “Sultan Ahmet Mosque”.
Sultanahmet Mosque
You can see hospitality, elegancy every piece of it. What a beautiful architecture known as “Blue Mosque” between turister because of its blue mosaics. During conquest and after conquest they always esteem oldies so many Byzantium architecture works have survived to the present day. They also raise their own major residence of the Ottoman Sultans : “Topkapı Palace” you must see.
Topkapı Palace
When the day ends you can taste traditional Turkish Coffee close by Süleymaniye Mosque. Where should am I go forward for this good flavor? How can I go? On foot or by a taxi? I really need to pay for a taxi? How much meter it away from me? You can get help from Google map. Today’s last stop for you: “Süleymaniye Mosque” is most famous sights of Istanbul and it built by legendary architect Mimar Sinan.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Dear friends, I try to tell İstanbul’s magnificent atmosphere for you. I am sure after you read this post you want to travel İstanbul, meet its friendly peoples and I try to explain how Google Map guides and makes it easy for you on your wonderful trip. I love sharing about historical places most on Google Map as Local Guide to be useful other people visiting.
Thank you