Instanbul is a historical city as important as Athens, Rajgir and Rome. The earlier name of Instanbul was Constantinpole. The historical importance of Constantinpole could be appreciated from the fact that it has been capital of Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman empire between 330 to 1922. Constantinpole was established by Constantine in 324 AD.
HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia was a church established in 537 AD. It is an architectural marvel. After fall of Constantine in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it was converted into museum.
COLUMN OF CONSTANTINE
The monumental column has been built by Constantine the Great in 330 AD. The pillar would have been in original 50 meter long. Originally, the column was surmounted by statue of Constantine, which fell down in around 1100 AD.
WALLS OF CONSTANTIPOLE
The city of Constantinpole was surrounded by a stone wall. It was originally built was Constantine the Great. Walls were dismantled in 19th Centuary as city grew, but many parts of the wall are as yet in existence.
BASILICA CISTERN
Bacilica Cistern is largest of several cistern underneath the city of Intanbul. It was build in 6th century BC by Justician. It provided water filtration system to the palaces of Instanbul.
TOPKAPI PALACE
Topakapi Palace was aministrative centre of Ottoman Sultans. Construction of Topakapi started in 1459. It remain administrative centre between 1460 to 1856.
GALATA TOWER
Galata tower is medieval watch tower. It was originally erected by Emperor Justinian. It now popular among tourist for 360 view of the Instanbul.
HIPPODROME
Hippodrome was sporting and social centre of Constantipole. Horse racing and chariot racing were conducted here. Romans had adorned it with several works. Theodosius had got transported Egyptian Obelisk and Serpant Obelisk. In 10th walled obelisk was also erected there. Now it is a square in Instanbul and known as Sultanahmet Square.
BLUE MOSQUE
Blue Mosque is Ottoman era mosque built between 1609 and 1617 by Sultan Ahmad. It is one of the most popular monument of Instanbul. It was built next to the Hippodrome.
DOLAMABACHE PALACE
Dolmabache Palace was built between 1843 to 1856 by Sultan Abdulmejid I at huge financial burden of five million lira, which was around one quarter of tax revenue. In 1924, it was declared national heritage. Kamal Ataturk used as Presidential residence.
