Places of Interest in Istanbul, Turkey - PreVisit with Mr Google

Againnnnnnnnnnnnnn hahahaha...=)

Sabtu pagi boring-boring, stadi sikit-sikit sebelum pergi

kikikikiiiiiiiii....=)

1) Blue Mosque / Masjid Biru

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice.Besides still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.

Besides being tourist attraction, it's also a active mosque, so it's closed to non worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers.

Best way to see great architecture of the Blue Mosque is to approach it from the Hippodrome. (West side of the mosque) As if you are non-Muslim visitor, you also have to use same direction to enter the Mosque.

Info boleh lihat di sini The Blue Mosque ( Sultanahmet Camii)

2. HIPPODROME SQUARE

Hippodrome Square was built by Septimius Severus to entertain the public at the beginning of A.D 2 th century, In 196. But it has rebuilt by Konstantin I. It is located in the Square of Blue Mosque. Hippodrome has witnessed many awesome events such as the famous gladiator fights, chariot/car races, many riots and bloody events in the past. Under the Hippodrome's location the horses, the elephants and the camels were kept by the Byzantines, while the wild animals were kept by the Romans in the cages. The deep hollows were dug to protect the people from attacks of these wild animals in front of the sitting sets. In this regard Hippodrome is derived from hippos and dromos; It means ''running''

Info boleh klik di sini The Hippodrome Square

3. TOPKAPI PALACE

Topkapı palace is a central place located in  all the Ottoman sultans’ time until the reign of Abdulmecid I (1839-1860), a period of nearly four centuries. It is the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to our day. After the conquest of the city in 1453, the young Sultan Mehmet moved the capital of the empire to Istanbul .He was settled in the middle of the town and built Topkapı Palace which is well known as a traditional example of Turkish Palace structure. When it was used as a palace, it served more functions than one ,generally associates with royal house. Although it was the house of the Sultan, the only ruler of the empire, it was at the same time the center of the administrative affairs, the place where the council of ministers met, and the treasury, mint, and state archives were located there .It is situated on the acropolis, the site of the first settlement in Istanbul, it shows an impressive view of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is surrounded by 5 km of walls and occupied  an area of 700,000 sq. m at the tip of the historical peninsula. It consists of three courtyard, each serving a different purpose. Therefore it was the heart, the brain, the very center of the Ottoman Empire.Later, the harem (private quarters) of the sultans was moved here too.  In 1924 it was turned into a museum at Ataturk's request.

Diffrerent craftsmanship, tiles, architectural styles, jewellery (like known as a famous spoonmaker’s diamond) exhibited in Topkapı Palace reflect the wealth of Turkish art and mixture of the different countries culture. 

Info lebih lanjut boleh klik sini The Topkapi Palace

4. Spice Market, Spice Bazaar or Misir Carsisi, Egyption Bazaar

What to buy here:

» Spices	» Pashminas
» Dried Fruits	» Ceramics
» Nuts	» Leather or Kilim Bags
» Sweets and Candies	» Food (Cheese, pastırma honey, jam, etc)
» Turkish Delight	» Textiles
» Caviar	» Costom flower essence blends
» Apple Tea	» Backgamman and Chess sets

Lokum, also called Turkish Delight, is cubes of jellylike or gummy confection flavored with flower or fruitessences, filled with various nuts, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Turkish Apple Tea is the world’s first instant hot apple drink. It is a sweetened powder to be mixed with hot water and served in traditional tulip-shaped tiny glasses. You can also buy it in the conventional form that is boiled before serving.

Gold and Silver Jewelry is produced by a variety of centuries-old techniques, such as filigree, relief, embossing, inlaying or using precious Stones. All these beautiful modern and ancient jewelry pieces fill the Windows jewelry shops.

Sage,  Aniseed,  Rosemary,  Black Cumin,  Soapwort,  Bay leaf,  dill,  Mustard,  Nutmeg,  Linden,  Clove,  Thyme,  Cumin,  Henna,  Red pepper,   Paprika,  Coriander,  Rose hip,  Marjoram,  Mint,  Rocket leaf,  Saffron,  Orchis,  Sumach,  Cinnamon,  Cress,  Vanilla,  Allspice,  Ginger.

Info lebih lanjut klik sini Spice Bazaar, Spice Market, Egyption Bazaar, Misir Carsisi

5. HAGIA SOPHIA

dalam tulisan turkey ialah Ayasofya Muzesi

Visiting Information

Summer Schedule- 15 APRİL -1 OCTOBER Visiting Hours: 09.00 - 19.00

Hours of Ticket Sale: 18:00

Winter Schedule- 1 OCTOBER- 15 APRİL Visiting Hours: 09:00- 17:00

Hours of Ticket Sale: 16:00.

Ticket Price: 30 TL.

Hagia Sophia is open for visit every day except Mondays.

The winter visiting hours for the Hagia Sophia are from 09.00 to 17.00, with the final entry being at 16.00. During the summer, the visiting hours are between 09.00 and 19.00, with the final entry being at 18.00. Passes are available at the box office in the museum.

Info lebih lanjut boleh klik sini Hagia Sophia Official Website