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

• Hagia Sophia — one of Istanbul's most famous symbols and a monument that has survived the changing of eras and empires.
• Sultanahmet Square — the historic heart of the city, where the most important monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods are concentrated.
• Topkapi Palace — the luxurious residence of the Ottoman sultans, holding countless stories of the lives of rulers, palace intrigues, and the secrets of the empire.
• Basilica Cistern — a mysterious 6th-century underground structure with columns, water, and the famous head of Medusa.

We'll learn what the city was like during the Byzantine Empire, why Constantinople was considered one of the greatest cities of its time, and what 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 discover fascinating facts about Topkapi and the events that took place behind the palace walls.
The Conquest of Constantinople
We'll explore the events of 1453 and learn how the fall of Constantinople changed the history of the city and the entire region.
Secrets of the Basilica Cistern
We'll descend underground and find out why the Byzantines built a vast system of underground reservoirs, where the mysterious Medusa heads came from, and what legends are connected to this place.