The Historical Peninsula

The most important places of interest in İstanbul are in Sarayburnu and Sultan Ahmet regions in the center of the Historic Peninsula. During the Roman Empire, Byzantine and Otoman periods, the heart of the city was always this region where the palaces of the emperors were built.

The biggest churches, the most glorious mosques and the greatest museums of the city are in this area. Two of the seven hills within the historical peninsula are in this region.

On one of these, the Topkapı Palace, and on the other one Sultan Ahmet Mosque are placed. Other important historical monuments of the city have been sprinkled here and there on the plains between the hills.

Moreover, the outdoor area that is named as the Hippodrome, which was the center of the city during the Byzantine and Otoman ages, is also located here. In order to pay a complete visit to the great Works such as Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapı Palace, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which are built very near to each other, as well as the Archeological Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and the Mosaic Museum, one should spend at least a couple of days in this area.