Showing posts with label Historical Place. Show all posts

Eyup Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti

Eyup Sultan mosque, located outside the city walls of Istanbul near the Golden Horn is the burial place of a beloved companion and standard-bearer of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Abu Eyubal-Ansari (R.A). Hazrat Eyub gave his life during the siege of Constantinople in the 670s and the mosque was constructed some 700 years later. Original architecture of the mosque was a beautiful representation of the Ottoman designs, built in 1458 it could not withstand an earthquake and by the late 18thentuary, was in the state of ruin. Sultan Selim III ordered the whole structure other than the minarets to be demolished and then reconstructed.
 Why is it popular?
• Muslims pay respect and recite Surah Fateha at the mausoleum and it is considered the most important Islamic shrine in Turkey. Very popular among the Muslim tourists, it is beautifully decorated with Iznik tiles.
• Some history buffs come to view the past coronation site of the Ottoman Sultans (same place). It was here that the next Sultan was given the sword of Osman, entitlement to being called Padisha (king of kings).

Pierre Loti
This place, named after an exotic novelist and French naval officer, is a stop close to the Eyub mosque and is also a must on your itinerary.he used to write his novels at this place which overlooks the Golden Horn and gives spectacular scenery. A cable car takes you to the top of the hill where one finds the Tarihi Kahve, Aziyade Restaurant, YeşilKafe,Nargile Evi and the Turqu House Hotel that can house and entertain a great number of tourists.


The grave of a traveling dervish ‘Iskandar Dede’ is also present in the tourist area of the hill. Two water wells are located in front of it, one of them is the famous ‘Dilek Kuyusu’ translated to ‘a water well for wishes’, it is said that people who look into it, can see the wishes they keep in their hearts. All in all, it is a perfect place to sip some Turkish beverages as you admire the beauty of Istanbul and the Bosporus. The café Pierre Loti is furnished in Turkish mannerism, while the red and white checked tablecloths are a reminder of the French customs that Pierre Loti, the Frenchman reflected.

Even when full of people (as it mostly is), this place gives serenity to the tourists who find solace in the view. Behind the restaurant, a recreational area offers Nargile, Hamams and other coffee shops as well.

How to reach there?
From the Old Town /Sultanahmet or Taksim to Eyup quarter, a taxi will take 30-40 TL. From Eyup quarter, there are two options:
• Funicular- costing about 5 TL.
• Climbing/Trekking: this will be a little steep and through a very interesting old graveyard. It takes around 20 minutes.
The reason we’ve placed the two together is because of their close locations, while viewing one, you can visit the other as well. The graveyard is also an exotic place, with tombstones that go centuries back, it is a fascinating place.
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Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace and Harem


Are you planning to travel to Istanbul? Well, a great to be visited. Istanbul is known as the heart of Turkey, as it holds historical importance in the eyes of the locals. One of the beautiful places to be visited in Istanbul is the heritage palace, Topkapi Palace. The Topkapi Palace is a large palace for the major residences of Ottoman Sultans. This palace was the primary residence for the sultans from 400 years, 1465 to 1856. The Topkapi Palace, which is the major attraction for the tourists today, was once the venue for major entertainment sessions and royal occasions.


Topkapi Palace is one of those historical monuments which contain a numerous holy relics of the Muslim religion including Muhammad’s cloak and sword. Topkapi Sarayi is described to the number fourth best ensembles palace of the Ottoman period after being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The palace was originally named as New Palace to make it different from the site of residents but after the expansion and renovation after 1509 earthquake and 1665 fire, it was called Topkapi. The palace was took over by government and was declared as Topkapi Palace Museum in the 19th century.

The importance of this heritage building can be perceived by the Ottoman architecture. The museum of the imperial era has a large collection of the historical artifacts and equipments of the Turkish culture including weapons, shields, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic Calligraphic scripts and traditional jewelry. 


Harem, the Imperial Harem was the home of sultans’ mother, Valide Sultan. It was also a rest place for the wives of the sultan along with servants and children. The Harem contains number of unique buildings and structures connected through courtyard, having more than 100 rooms in each courtyard, out of which few are open for public and tourists. Daires, the special apartments in the Harem were only occupied by the Sultan, his Princes and the Queen Mother, Valide Sultan.

It is quite interesting to know that the utmost authority of the Harem was with the Queen Mother who used to rule the other women of the family. The black African, Khizlar Agha was the head of the guards who was responsible for the safety and guarding of the Imperial Harem.  

Other than the family history of Harem, the social and political importance of this place is because it is the ultimate symbol Sultan’s power. The Harem is also called the “Golden Cage”

After all this history, the palace is worth a visit. The Topkapi Palace Museum can be visited between 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM in winter and the ticket booth closes at 4:00 PM. In summer season, it can be visited between 9:00 AM to 6:45 PM and the ticket booth closes at 6:45 PM. The ticket is valid for 12 hours, you’re supposed to visit the palace within 12 hours. It remains closed on Tuesday.

Don’t leave regret behind because of not visiting this beautiful palace during your trip to Istanbul. 
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