Treasures of Istanbul
TI-01 Sunday, June 3, 2012 13:00 – 18:00 (Grand Bazaar is closed)
TI-02 Wednesday, June 6, 2012 09:30 – 13:30
Price: 45 EUR /per person
First visit is to the Roman Hippodrome to see the Serpentine Column, the Egyptian Obelisk and then visit St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century. Proceed to the Blue Mosque, The 17th Century Ottoman Mosque, which is famous for its six minarets and magnificent blue Iznik tiles which line its interior.. Last visit will be to the Covered Bazaar to explore the maze of over 4'000 tiny shops selling leather, copper, carpet, antiquities, souvenirs and jewelry.
Blue Mosque (Sulthanahmet)
One of the most famous monuments of Turkish and Islamic art, the mosque is visited by all who come to Istanbul and gains their admiration.
This imperial mosque is an example of classical Turkish architecture, and it is the only mosque that was originally built with six minarets.
It is surrounded by other important edifices of Istanbul, built at earlier ages. Istanbul is viewed best from the sea and the mosque is part of this magnificent scenery.
Although it is popularly known as the Blue Mosque, its real name is Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Befitting his original profession, its architect Mehmet Aga decorated the interior fastidiously like a jeweler. Built between 1609-1616, the mosque used to be part of a large complex, including a covered bazaar, Turkish baths, public kitchens, a hospital, schools, a caravanserai, and the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmet. Some of these social and cultural buildings have not survived to our day.
The architect was a student of Sinan, the greatest architect of classical Turkish architecture. He applied a plan used previously by his master, but on a larger scale
Covered Bazaar (Grand Bazaar)
Grand Bazaar, located between Nuruosmaniye, Mercan and Beyazıt, is the oldest and largest shopping mall of the world with 64 avenues and streets, 2 covered bazaar (bedesten), 16 inns, 22 gates and about 3600 stores. It has indoor area of 45.000 meter square, and about 20.000 persons work and depending on the season, 300 to 500 persons per day visit. Being the oldest bank, the greatest and the oldest shopping mall, one of the most mysterious and gorgeous places in the world,.possibly the eighth wonder, Grand Bazaar is waiting to entertain the persons, who would adopt relics of our ancestors, not just as customers, but as partners and guests by its tradesmen and administrative committee determined to keep up with the time, and by Health Unit, Post Office, bank branches, private fire department, police station, Private Security Service founded in accordance with the laws, coffee shops and restaurants, and the historical and cultural treasury hidden inside
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