Exploring Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square: A Must-See Destination in Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey ✈
Sultanahmet Square is one of the most historically significant places in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the heart of the old city, it serves as an open-air museum where the layers of history are visible at every turn. Walking through the square, I found myself surrounded by centuries of empires, architecture, and relics that tell the story of the city’s past.
Sultanahmet Square is easily accessible from various parts of Istanbul. The most convenient way to get there is by taking the T1 tram line to the Sultanahmet stop, which drops passengers off just steps away from the square. For those arriving from further distances, the Marmaray train line and multiple bus routes also serve the area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, but due to traffic congestion in the old city, public transportation is often the faster option.
“The square, an example of centuries of change, felt just as dynamic today as it must have in the past. With relics from the Egyptian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, the square felt like a condensed timeline of the city’s past.”
The square once served as the site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot races and public ceremonies took place during the Byzantine period. It was a central gathering point for the empire, reinforcing its political and cultural significance.
At the center of the square stand two obelisks. The first, the Obelisk of Theodosius, is an ancient Egyptian monument that originally stood in the Karnak Temple complex in Luxor. It was brought to Constantinople in the 4th century by Emperor Theodosius I and placed on a marble pedestal adorned with intricate carvings that depict scenes of the emperor watching games at the Hippodrome. Despite being thousands of years old, the carvings remain detailed, and the obelisk itself is remarkably well-preserved.
A few steps away stands the Walled Obelisk, a Byzantine construction that lacks the smooth, inscribed surface of its Egyptian counterpart. This obelisk, once covered in bronze plaques, now appears weathered and worn, with its stone structure exposed. Though it lacks the same level of detail, its presence adds to the historical atmosphere of the square, offering a reminder of the city’s Byzantine past.
Adjacent to the square is the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. I didn’t have time to go inside, but even from the outside, it was impossible not to admire its grand domes and towering minarets. Its cascading architecture, decorated with blue Iznik tiles, is one of the defining images of Istanbul. The mosque remains an active place of worship, and the sound of the call to prayer echoed across the square as I stood there.
Just across from the Blue Mosque is the Hagia Sophia, a structure that has transformed through different eras. Entrance to Hagia Sophia is currently free, as it functions as an active mosque, but visitors should be aware of prayer times, when non-worshippers may have limited access. Modest attire is required, and headscarves are provided for women at the entrance.
Originally built as a church during the Byzantine Empire, it became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest and now functions as a museum. The building’s massive dome dominates the skyline, and even from the outside, its scale and craftsmanship are impressive. Its walls, once adorned with Christian mosaics, now hold traces of both its church and mosque heritage. The mix of architectural influences reflects the city’s changing history.
From the Hagia Sophia, I made my way to the Topkapi Palace Museum. Unlike Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace requires a ticket for entry. The general admission fee covers most of the palace, but access to the Harem section requires an additional ticket. Purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended to avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so planning accordingly is essential. Once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans, the palace is a sprawling complex filled with courtyards, ornate rooms, and historical artifacts. Walking through its grounds, I passed through the Imperial Gate and into the first courtyard, which leads to various sections of the palace.
Inside, the museum displays a collection of imperial garments, jewel-encrusted artifacts, and weaponry used by Ottoman rulers. Some of the most fascinating pieces include Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s ceremonial robes and the ornate throne of Sultan Mahmud I. Each item tells a story of the grandeur and influence the empire once held over vast territories. The Treasury section held some of the most extravagant pieces, including the Topkapi Dagger, which features large emeralds embedded in its hilt. The palace kitchens, another highlight, showcased an extensive collection of Chinese porcelain, highly valued by the Ottomans.
One of the most intriguing sections was the Harem, a maze of rooms that once housed the sultan’s family and concubines. The intricate tile work, decorative ceilings, and secluded courtyards painted a picture of the opulent lifestyle within these walls. Each space carried a sense of exclusivity, reflecting the power dynamics of the empire.
From the terraces of the palace, I had a view of the Bosphorus, where the waterway divided the city between Europe and Asia. This strategic strait has played a crucial role in trade and military campaigns for centuries, serving as the gateway between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Today, it remains a vital waterway, bustling with cargo ships and passenger ferries navigating between continents. The sight of ferries and ships moving through the strait reinforced Istanbul’s role as a bridge between continents.
Leaving the palace, I walked back through Sultanahmet Square, taking in the layers of history that coexisted in this single location. The square, an example of centuries of change, felt just as dynamic today as it must have in the past. With relics from the Egyptian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, the square felt like a condensed timeline of the city’s past. Whether admiring the monuments, the architecture, or the artifacts housed within the palace, my visit to Sultanahmet Square offered a direct connection to the history that shaped Istanbul into what it is today.
After exploring the square, my next stop was the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Nearby, visitors can also explore the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water storage system built during the Byzantine era, known for its eerie atmosphere and Medusa-headed columns. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums, just a short walk away, houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various civilizations, including the famous Alexander Sarcophagus. For those looking to experience more of the city's cultural side, the Spice Bazaar, another historic marketplace, offers a variety of aromatic spices, sweets, and local delicacies.
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