Istanbul Through the Ages: Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern

• Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic symbols of Istanbul and a monument that has survived the passage of eras and empires.
• Sultanahmet Square is the historic heart of the city, home to the most significant monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
• Topkapi Palace is the lavish residence of the Ottoman sultans, filled with tales of rulers' lives, court intrigues, and imperial secrets.
• Basilica Cistern is a mysterious 6th-century underground structure with columns, water, and the famous Medusa heads.

We'll discover what the city looked like during the Byzantine Empire, why Constantinople was considered one of the greatest cities of its time, and the role Hagia Sophia played.
The Ottoman Empire and the Sultans
We'll talk about the history of the Ottoman Empire, the lives of the sultans, and palace culture. You'll learn fascinating facts about Topkapi and the events that took place within the palace walls.
The Conquest of Constantinople
We'll delve into the events of 1453 and understand how the fall of Constantinople reshaped the history of the city and the entire region.
Secrets of the Basilica Cistern
We'll go underground to learn why the Byzantines built a vast network of subterranean reservoirs, where the enigmatic Medusa heads came from, and the legends associated with this place.