Audioguida di Istanbul: Tour del Tappeto Senza Tempo di Istanbul

The Sublime Porte, also referred to as the Ottoman Porte or High Porte, held great significance as the central government of the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul. Its name originated from the ancient tradition in which the ruler would announce official decisions and judgments at the gate of his palace. This practice was inherited from the Byzantine Empire and was adopted by the Ottoman sultans since the reign of Orhan I. Initially, the name "High Gate" was associated with a palace located in Bursa, Turkey. However, following the conquest of Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, the gate leading to the outermost courtyard of the Topkapı Palace, became known as the "High Gate" or the "Sublime Porte." Notably, during Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent's alliance with King Francis I of France in 1536, French diplomats would pass through the monumental gate, then called Bab-ı Ali (now Bâb-ı Hümâyûn), to reach the seat of the Sultan's government in Constantinople. Consequently, the French translation, Sublime Porte, was adopted in various European languages, including English, as a metonymy for the Ottoman Empire. In the 18th century, a grand office building was constructed west of the Topkapi Palace, on the opposite side of Alemdar Caddesi. This Italian-styled building became the residence of the Grand Vizier and numerous ministries, earning the title of the Sublime Porte (Bab-ı Ali). Additionally, it was colloquially known as the Gate of the Pasha (paşa kapusu). Unfortunately, the building suffered significant damages due to a fire in 1911. Presently, it houses the Istanbul Governor's Office. The Sublime Porte played a pivotal role in diplomacy, as it served as the gateway through which foreign diplomats gained access to the Ottoman Empire. Its historical significance and influence extended beyond its physical structures, leaving a lasting mark on the administrative and diplomatic affairs of the empire.

Sirkeci railway station, also known as Istanbul railway station, is a significant railway terminal in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the historic Sirkeci neighborhood, near the Golden Horn and in close proximity to Gülhane Park and the Topkapı Palace, this terminal holds a prominent position on the European side of the city. Together with Haydarpaşa Terminal on the Asian side, Sirkeci Terminal serves as one of Istanbul's principal intercity and commuter railway terminals. Built in 1890 by the Oriental Railway, Sirkeci Terminal was originally designated as the eastern terminus of the renowned Orient Express. This legendary train operated between Paris and Istanbul from 1883 to 2009, and the terminal itself has become an iconic symbol of the city. However, since March 19, 2013, service to Sirkeci Terminal has been temporarily suspended due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the railway line between Kazlıçeşme and Halkalı for the new Marmaray commuter rail line. In October 2013, a new underground station was opened to the public, allowing Marmaray trains to pass beneath the Bosphorus Strait. This new station connects to Sirkeci Terminal, enriching the city's transportation network. Sirkeci Terminal boasts a total of four platforms, with three located above ground and one below. Additionally, there are seven tracks, with five above ground and two underground. Previously, commuter trains bound for Halkalı would depart from tracks 2, 3, and 4, while regional trains heading to Kapıkule, Edirne, and Uzunköprü, along with international trains traveling to Bucharest, Sofia, and Belgrade, would depart from tracks 1 and 5. The history of Sirkeci Terminal dates back to the Ottoman era when the need for a railway connection between Europe and Istanbul was recognized after the Crimean War. Initial attempts to establish this connection through contracts with British and Belgian entrepreneurs faced obstacles due to inadequate investment capital. Eventually, on April 17, 1869, the concession for the "Rumeli Railroad" was awarded to Baron Maurice de Hirsch, a prominent figure in this endeavor.

The Spice Bazaar, known as the Egyptian Bazaar in Turkish, is a prominent marketplace in Istanbul, Turkey. Situated in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district, it stands as one of the largest covered shopping complexes in the city, second only to the renowned Grand Bazaar. The history of the bazaar unveils its original name as the "New Bazaar" before gaining the title "Egyptian Bazaar." This name was given due to its construction being funded by the revenues from the Ottoman eyalet of Egypt in the year 1660. Interestingly, the Turkish word "mısır" holds a dual meaning, referring to both "Egypt" and "maize." As a result, there is occasionally a misconception that the bazaar should be translated as the "Corn Bazaar." Notably, the bazaar has long served as the heart of spice trade within Istanbul. However, in recent times, the shops have gradually diversified to encompass other goods, replacing some of the spice sellers. Architecturally, the bazaar is an integral part of the külliye, or complex, of the New Mosque. The income generated from the rented spaces within the bazaar building has traditionally contributed towards the maintenance of the mosque itself. Koca Kasım Ağa, the court architect, initially designed the structure. Nevertheless, construction commenced under the guidance of another court architect, Mustafa Ağa, in the final months of 1660. This period coincided with the aftermath of the devastating Great Fire of Istanbul, which started on July 24th, 1660 and ravaged many neighborhoods over approximately two days. As part of the city's extensive rebuilding efforts following the fire, the construction of the New Mosque resumed and was eventually completed between 1660 and 1665. Simultaneously, the Spice Bazaar's construction commenced in 1660, with both projects commissioned by Sultana Turhan Hatice, the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother) of Sultan Mehmed IV. In its present form, the Egyptian Bazaar boasts 85 shops, each dedicated to the sale of aromatic spices, traditional Turkish delicacies, herbs, and other culinary treasures. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting scents and flavors that have tantalized palates for centuries. The bazaar's unique ambiance and rich history make it an essential destination for those seeking to experience the vibrant culture of Istanbul.

completed around 1563. The precise dating of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque remains a subject of debate among historians and experts due to the absence of a foundation document. However, based on analysis of its İznik tiles and other primary sources, it is generally believed that the construction of the mosque was authorized by Sultan Suleiman I after the death of Rüstem Pasha and entrusted to the renowned Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan. Rüstem Pasha, who served as the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, had a significant influence on the architecture of Istanbul. He commissioned various important structures, including religious schools and mosques. In an effort to leave a lasting legacy and repair his reputation, Rüstem Pasha desired to construct a final mosque of his own. It is unclear how much he had planned for the mosque before his death, but Sultan Suleiman I granted authorization for the project as a tribute to Rüstem Pasha. Mimar Sinan, the esteemed Ottoman imperial architect, was tasked with designing the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. Notable for its opulent interior adorned with exquisite İznik tiles, this mosque stands out as one of Sinan's masterpieces. It is speculated that Rüstem Pasha may have specifically requested the İznik tiles to support the work of court designer Kara Memi, known for his elegant floral designs. While scholars continue to gather evidence to precisely date the mosque, it is widely accepted that the construction was completed around 1563. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of Mimar Sinan and the cultural significance of Rüstem Pasha in the Ottoman Empire. Situated near the Spice Bazaar in the Fatih district of Istanbul, it remains an important historical and religious landmark in the city.

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Cisterna Basilica, is a significant underground structure located beneath Istanbul, Turkey. It is the largest among numerous ancient cisterns found in the city. Situated about 150 meters southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, it was originally constructed during the 6th century under the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The name "Basilica" was derived from the fact that this subterranean cistern existed underneath a vast public square known as the Stoa Basilica, situated on the First Hill of Constantinople. Prior to the cistern's creation, a grand basilica stood on the same site. It had been constructed between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the Early Roman Age, serving as an important center for commerce, legal matters, and artistic activities. After a fire in 476, the basilica was rebuilt by Illus. Historical texts describe the basilica as having enclosed gardens surrounded by a colonnade that faced the Hagia Sophia. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine laid the foundation for a structure that was later expanded and reconstructed by Emperor Justinian following the devastating Nika riots of 532, which severely damaged the city. Accounts from that time claim that around 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. This enlarged cistern served as a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople and various other buildings located on the First Hill. Even after the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the cistern continued to provide water to the Topkapı Palace and remained functional up until modern times. Over time, knowledge of the cistern's existence faded, with only local people continuing to draw water from it. It wasn't until 1565 when the French traveler Petrus Gyllius visited the cistern and documented his experience. Gyllius described being rowed in a boat between the numerous columns and witnessing fish swimming in the water beneath. In terms of measurements, this cistern is an immense underground chamber spanning approximately 138 meters by 65 meters.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Circus Maximus Constantinopolitanus, held great significance as both a sporting and social hub in the Byzantine Empire's capital city of Constantinople, which is present-day Istanbul, Turkey. It now exists as Sultanahmet Square. The term "hippodrome" stems from the Greek words "hippos," meaning horse, and "dromos," meaning path or way. Hence, in Turkish, it is sometimes referred to as Atmeydanı or "Horse Square." Horse racing and chariot racing were immensely popular in ancient times, and hippodromes were common fixtures in Greek cities during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. In terms of its history and usage, the Hippodrome's origins predate Constantinople's era as an imperial capital. The initial construction of the Hippodrome occurred during the city's Byzantium phase when it was a provincial town of moderate significance. In AD 203, Emperor Septimius Severus rebuilt the city, expanding its walls and endowing it with a hippodrome for chariot races and other entertainment. Later, in AD 324, Emperor Constantine the Great chose to refound the city as Byzantium following his victory at the Battle of Chrysopolis nearby. However, this name failed to leave a lasting impression, leading to the city being renamed Constantinople, the City of Constantine. Under Constantine's reign, the city experienced significant expansion, and one of his notable endeavors was the renovation of the Hippodrome. Estimates suggest that the Hippodrome of Constantine spanned approximately 450 meters in length and 130 meters in width. The starting gates, known as carceres, stood at the northern end, while the southern end featured the sphendone, a curved tribune that remains partially intact. The spina, a central barrier on the racecourse, was adorned with various monuments, including the monolithic obelisk...

The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. Built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, it continues to be a functioning mosque to this day. With its remarkable beauty, the mosque has become a major attraction for both tourists and locals, proudly representing the iconic Ottoman architecture. The mosque follows a classical Ottoman layout, featuring a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes within the prayer hall. It is complemented by a spacious courtyard and six minarets at its sides. The interior is adorned with thousands of Iznik tiles displaying predominately blue colors, giving the mosque its well-known name. The mosque complex, known as the külliye, includes various structures such as Ahmed's tomb, a madrasa, and several other buildings. Each of these components add to the grandeur and historical significance of the site. Strategically located near the former Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque stands opposite another popular tourist site, the Hagia Sophia. This proximity allows the mosque to command attention and dominate the city's skyline. Recognizing its cultural and historical importance, the Blue Mosque was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1985 as part of the "Historic Areas of Istanbul." Now, let us continue our exploration of this magnificent mosque and immerse ourselves in its rich history.