Armada Hotel and Historical Peninsula Tour 
Istanbul is a fascinating city where the historical texture is fully felt. One of the places where this feeling is the most intense is the Historical Peninsula, more precisely the ‘Historical Centre’. This region, which is one of the favourites of tourists and in which Armada Hotel is located, also hosts important historical buildings such as Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace.

See: http://armadaistanbulkulturu.com/tr/ 

Let's discover Sultanahmet more closely together!

Hagia Sophia 
This building, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, today serves as a mosque and museum. Hagia Sophia is known as one of the landmarks of Istanbul with its architectural and historical importance. Built as a church during the Byzantine period, it served as the largest cathedral and centre of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In 1453, with the conquest of Istanbul, it was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. During this period, various changes were made in the interior decoration of the mosque. Minarets and Islamic elements were also added. In 1935, the building was converted into a museum and reopened as a mosque in 2020. Known as one of the important symbols of both Christianity and Islam, this building attracts foreign and domestic tourists from various religions and cultures. 

Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque takes its name from its builder Sultan Ahmet I. The architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa started to build this mosque in 1609 and the construction, which lasted 7 years, was completed in 1616. Reflecting the examples of classical Ottoman architecture, the mosque offers a fascinating atmosphere with its interior decoration. The Iznik tiles on the dome give the building a unique appearance with its blue, white and green tones. With this feature, it is also known as ‘Blue Mosque’ in the West. The Blue Mosque is one of the most magnificent mosques of the Ottoman Empire. Opposite Hagia Sophia, the mosque, with its six minarets, is one of the places that attract tourists from all cultures with its religious and historical importance. 

Topkapi Palace
Another important work to visit in the historical peninsula is Topkapı Palace, which attracts the attention of visitors with its architecture and historical past. Built in 1460 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the palace was completed in 1478. Topkapı Palace was used as a place of settlement and administration during the Ottoman period. In the palace, which is located with four main courtyards and small gardens, each courtyard has a different function. 

First Courtyard (Regimental Square): This courtyard is where official ceremonies and processions are held. Bab-üs Saade, the biggest gate of the palace, is located in this courtyard. 

Second Courtyard (Divan Square): It is the courtyard where state affairs are carried out and the Divan-ı Hümayun convenes. The Chamber of Arz, the entrance gate to the Harem, is here. 

Third Courtyard (Enderun Courtyard): It is the courtyard where the most important administrative units of the state and the sultan's private living space are located. Enderun School, Treasury Department, Treasury Room are located in this courtyard.  

Fourth Courtyard: It is the area used by the Sultan and his family for recreation and entertainment. This courtyard, where mansions and gardens are located, also attracts attention with its views. 

This palace, which bears traces of the Ottoman Empire, is at the top of the list of ‘Must-See Attractions in Istanbul’.

Basilica Cistern 
This cistern, located southwest of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. This structure, built to meet the water needs of the city, has 336 columns. It also draws attention with its storage capacity of 100,000 tonnes. Each column is 9 metres tall and offers a magnificent view. Each column in it presents a magnificent image with a length of 9 metres. The Medusa heads under two of these columns are taken from Roman sculptures. One of the Medusa heads is placed sideways and the other upside down. This building, which fascinates its visitors with its architectural features, offers a different atmosphere with its lighting.

Grand Bazaar 

Built in 1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, this building is known as one of the most important historical shopping centres today. In the 16th century, it was expanded during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and turned into a trade centre of the period.  Grand Bazaar attracts everyone's attention with its narrow streets, historical buildings, goods sold in the shops and domed roof. 

The Grand Bazaar, which is a treasure for shopping enthusiasts, is known for its carpet makers, jewellers, spice sellers and leatherworkers. While walking around the bazaar, you can feel the traces of the past and discover different products. When you go to the Grand Bazaar, you can buy carpets, rugs, spices, jewellery and leather products, and you can take Turkish delight and white sugar as a gift to your friends.

Sultanahmet and Armada Hotel
Armada Hotel, which is an ideal choice for accommodation while exploring the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, offers its guests both a comfortable and historical atmosphere. With views of the Marmara Sea, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, the hotel combines traditional architecture with contemporary comfort.

With its central location, Armada Hotel is within walking distance to many cultural and historical riches in the Historical Peninsula. In addition, the breakfast served on the terrace of the hotel provides a great start to the day with its magnificent view. The hospitality and comfort you will find at Armada Hotel will make your visit to Istanbul unforgettable.