Sightseeing

The Library Of Istanbul Archeology Museums

Established in 1891 as the Müze-I Humayun [Imperial Museum], the Istanbul Archeology Museums are the leaders in the field of archeology science. Gathered and preserved by Fethi Ahmet Paşa, the Tophane-i Amire Musiri [Federal Marshal] in 1266 Hijri in the Aya Irini Church. The asar-i atika [old works] attract the attention of both domestic and…
Read more

Topkapı Palace Museum Library

After its transformation into a museum in 1924, the Agalar Mosque in the third courtyard of the Topkapı Palace was transformed into a library. Gathered from different sections of the Palace, they were classified according to their original place and Emanet Hazinesi [Treasury of Trusts], Hazine [Treasury], Revan Kosku [Mansion], Bagdat Kosku [Mansion], Hirka-i Saadet,…
Read more

Nuruosmaniye Library

Located in the Eminönü District of Istanbul, at the entrance of the Kapalı Çarşı [Covered Bazaar], is the Nuruosmaniye Kulliyesi. Its construction began in 1749, during Sultan Mahmut I’s rule (1730-1754), and was completed one year after his death by Sultan Osman III (1754-1757). The architect of the building is Master Builder Sinan. This baroque-styled…
Read more

Ragıp Paşa Library

Established by Ragıp Paşa in 1762, the building has a unique architectural design. The walls of the reading hall are decorated with exquisite ceramic tiles. It has 6,300 books and is open between the hours of 9:00 and 17:00 for the readers. Starting Saturday at 13:00, it is closed for one and half days. There…
Read more

Süleymaniye Library

Established in 1927 within the madrasahs of the Suleymaniye Mosque and allocated in the Suleymaniye Mosque by Suleyman The Magnificent, the library formed the core of this library. Over time, the number of books in the Suleymaniye Library has increased due to the number of books being transfered from various places for several different reasons.…
Read more

Ortaköy Mosque

Since it was built in 1853 by Architect Nigoğos Balyan right next to Bosphorus, Ortaköy Mosque has been one of the most famous mosques in Istanbul. This mosque has an elegant style and is built in the Baroque style. It is placed in one of the most famous districts of Istanbul, Ortaköy and like all mosques…
Read more

Neve Şalom Synagogue

Synagogue means “Peace Oasis”. And for the Hebrew community, maybe the most important one of these synagogues is Neve Şalom Synagogue. Neve Shalom Synagogue in Karaköy is one of the most important meeting points for the Hebrew community living in Turkey. Karakoy is of course an area where all the religions have been living in…
Read more

Stephan (Bulgarian) Church

Stephan (Bulgarian) Church belongs to the Bulgarian minority and is the most interesting church in Istanbul. The Bulgarian minority of the Ottoman Empire used to pray at the churches of the Fener Orthodox Patriarchy. With the increase in Bulgarian nationalism, Bulgarian community built their own church in the 19th century. First, a small wooden church…
Read more

St. Irene Church

Right after the Hagia Sofia, St.Irene is the second largest and oldest church from the Byzantine era still standing in Istanbul. Emperor Constantine the Great commissioned St.Irene, which was one of the largest and oldest Byzantine churches along with Hagia Sofia, in 330. The church takes its name from a saint who was at that…
Read more

St. Antoine Church

St. Antoine Church, situated on Istiklal Street, is a silent and tranquil shelter where people from everywhere in Istanbul make wishes and light candles. St. Antoine Church is located on the left as you head towards Tunel from Galatasaray. The building is a creation by Giulio Mongeri. The church was located in Azapkapı before, built…
Read more