FOLLOWING THE SULTAN

Step into the past and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of luxury and power of the Ottoman Empire. The "In the Footsteps of the Sultan" tour will take you through magnificent palaces, ancient sanctuaries, and majestic mosques, allowing you to feel the unique ambiance that has inspired rulers and captivated the guests of the capital for centuries. Our route will introduce you to the most famous sights of Istanbul. The first to open its doors will be the Topkapi Palace - the residence of sultans and guardian of priceless treasures. Built by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople, it served for four centuries as the main residence of the rulers. As you stroll through its courtyards, you will see pavilions overlooking the Bosphorus and the legendary collection of relics. Of particular interest is the treasury with collections of gold, crowns, thrones, and the famous 86-carat “Topkapi Diamond.” No less valuable are the holy relics - the keys and locks of the Kaaba, the swords and personal belongings of the Prophet Muhammad, his 16th-century robe, and a rare 8th-century Quran. History enthusiasts will be impressed by the weapon collection of tens of thousands of pieces, while the harem with more than 300 rooms, where thousands of women and hundreds of servants once lived, will unveil the secrets of the court's intimate life. Nearby, preserving the breath of the Byzantine era, stands the Church of St. Irene - one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in the city, built in the 5th century during the reign of Constantine the Great. Its unique acoustics and preserved mosaics make it a magnificent concert hall for symphonic music today. The next attraction will take us to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), constructed by Sultan Ahmed I in the 17th century opposite Hagia Sophia. The mosque's interior is adorned with over 20,000 blue-hued tiles, giving it its name. Six minarets and a high dome have made it a symbol of Istanbul, while the white marble mihrab embedded with a sacred stone from Mecca, along with Venetian stained glass, adds a special solemnity and beauty. Today, the mosque remains one of the most recognizable sanctuaries in the world. Exiting the mosque, we will find ourselves at the Hippodrome - the ancient heart of Constantinople, where chariot races, celebrations, and the Nika riot of 532 took place. Today, the Egyptian obelisk, the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Constantine VII, and the German Fountain are preserved here - monuments that make the square a symbol of the old city. Nearby rises the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha (external overview) - an elegant residence of the Grand Vizier, located right on Sultanahmet Square. It now houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art with a collection of carpets, manuscripts, and artifacts of Eastern culture. We can conclude our journey at the Harem Sultan Hamam (external overview), built in 1556 by architect Sinan at the command of Suleiman the Magnificent. The luxurious marble halls and mirrored layout make it one of the most exquisite architectural monuments. Closed in the early 20th century, it was restored and reopened in 2008. After this excursion, you will feel not just like a guest, but part of history - a witness to the rule of great sultans.