Topkapi palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the center of state administration about 380 years until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace in 1856 by Sultan Abdulmecit.
Haghia Sophia is considered one of the finest architectural works in the world. Although it was occasionally damaged and repaired, its essence remains untouched especially since 1453.
Standing on the site of the original Byzantine city, the district known as Sultanahmet is the heart of tourist Istanbul, with many of the most important attractions dotted around it.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) is a historic water cistern constructed by the Byzantine Empire. Engraved decorations exist over some of its 336 columns. It has a capacity of 80.000 m3 water.
Also known as the "Rosehouse Park," this place adjacent to thhe Topkapi Palace is Istanbul's oldest park. Lined with trees and a pedestrian paths, this is a great place for relaxed strolling.
