FOOTSTEPS OF THE SULTAN

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of luxury and power of the Ottoman Empire. The tour "In the Footsteps of the Sultan" will take you through magnificent palaces, ancient shrines, and majestic mosques, allowing you to experience the unique ambience that has inspired rulers for centuries and captivated guests of the capital. Our route will introduce you to the most famous landmarks of Istanbul. First, the Topkapi Palace will open its gates – the residence of sultans and keeper of invaluable treasures. Built by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople, it served as the main residence of the rulers for four centuries. Strolling through its courtyards, you will see pavilions overlooking the Bosphorus and the legendary collection of relics. The treasury, with collections of gold, crowns, thrones, and the famous 86-carat "Topkapi Diamond," is of special interest. Equally valuable are the keys and locks of the Kaaba, swords, and personal belongings of the prophet Muhammad, his 16th-century cloak, and a rare 8th-century Quran. History lovers will be impressed by the weapons collection of tens of thousands of specimens, and the harem with more than 300 rooms, where thousands of women and hundreds of servants once lived, will unveil the secrets of the private life of the court. Nearby, preserving the breath of the Byzantine era, stands the Church of St. Irene – one of the oldest Christian shrines in the city, built in the 5th century under Constantine the Great. Its unique acoustics and preserved mosaics make it a magnificent concert hall for symphonic music today. The next landmark will transport us to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), built by Sultan Ahmed I in the 17th century opposite Hagia Sophia. The interior of the mosque is adorned with over 20,000 blue-hued tiles, which gives it its name. Six minarets and a high dome have made it a symbol of Istanbul, while the white marble mihrab, which features a sacred stone from Mecca, along with Venetian stained glass, adds a special solemnity and beauty. Today, the mosque remains one of the most recognized shrines in the world. Exiting the mosque, we will find ourselves in the Hippodrome Square – the ancient heart of Constantinople, where chariot races, festivals, and the "Nika" uprising of 532 took place. Today, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Constantine VII, and the German Fountain have preserved the square as a symbol of the old city. Nearby rises the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha (external view) – the elegant residence of the Grand Vizier, located right in Sultanahmet Square. It now houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts with a collection of carpets, manuscripts, and artifacts of Eastern culture. We will conclude our journey at the Hürrem Sultan Hammam (external view), built in 1556 by architect Sinan at the behest of Suleiman the Magnificent. The luxurious marble halls and mirrored layout make it one of the finest 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 a part of history – a witness to the reign of great sultans.