Istanbul Audio Tour: Top landmarks in Istanbul

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Circus Maximus Constantinopolitanus, was a significant structure in the city of Constantinople, which served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, this historic site has transformed into Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey. The term "hippodrome" originates from the Greek words for "horse" and "path," reflecting its primary purpose as a venue for horse racing and chariot racing. Such entertainment was highly popular during the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods, leading to the construction of hippodromes in numerous cities. The origins of the Hippodrome can be traced back to a time before Constantinople gained prominence as an imperial capital. Initially built during Byzantium's early days as a provincial town, it was Emperor Septimius Severus who, in the year 203 AD, rebuilt and expanded the city walls, establishing a hippodrome for various entertainments, particularly chariot races. Later, in 324 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great, following his victory in the Battle of Chrysopolis, decided to rebuild Byzantium and renamed it Nova Roma, or New Rome. However, this name did not resonate with the people, and the city soon became known as Constantinople, the City of Constantine. Constantine undertook extensive urban development projects, including the renovation of the Hippodrome. This grand structure was estimated to be approximately 450 meters (1,476 feet) long and 130 meters (427 feet) wide. The starting gates, referred to as carceres, were positioned at the northern end, while the southern end featured the sphendone, a curved tribune that remains partially preserved to this day. Running along the middle of the racecourse was the spina, which adorned with various monuments, including the towering and monolithic obelisk. This obelisk, now known as the Obelisk of Theodosius, still stands as a testament to the grandeur of the era. Overall, the Hippodrome of Constantinople held immense importance as an entertainment and social hub in the capital city. It served as a symbol of prosperity and cultural significance during the Byzantine Empire's reign, attracting crowds of spectators eager to witness thrilling horse and chariot races, as well as other festivities. The transformation of this historic site into Sultanahmet Square has allowed its legacy to endure, reminding us of the rich history and grandeur of the past.

The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Mısır Çarşısı, holds great historic significance in Istanbul, Turkey. It stands as one of the largest bazaars in the city and is located in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district. This renowned covered shopping complex is second only to the Grand Bazaar in popularity. The origins of its name can be traced back to several documents that suggest it was initially named the "New Bazaar." Eventually, it earned the moniker "Egyptian Bazaar" due to its construction being funded by the profits from the Ottoman eyalet of Egypt in 1660. The Turkish word "mısır" presents a double meaning, referring to both "Egypt" and "maize." Consequently, it is sometimes mistakenly translated as the "Corn Bazaar." The Spice Bazaar has long served as the epicenter of spice trade in Istanbul. However, in recent years, it has witnessed a gradual transition, with other types of shops replacing the spice sellers. Situated within the complex of the New Mosque, the rented shops within the bazaar have historically contributed to the financial upkeep of the mosque itself. The esteemed architect Koca Kasım Ağa designed the bazaar, but another court architect named Mustafa Ağa oversaw its construction. The work commenced in the final months of 1660, immediately following the devastating Great Fire of Istanbul, which lasted over two days. This catastrophe led to the destruction of numerous neighborhoods throughout the city. Consequently, a significant reconstruction effort commenced, including the resumption of the New Mosque's construction, which had been paused since 1603. The Spice Bazaar's construction likewise began in the same year, both projects commissioned by Sultana Turhan Hatice, the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother) of Sultan Mehmed IV. Presently, the Spice Bazaar boasts an impressive 85 shops that specialize in selling a wide variety of spices. Additionally, Turkish delights, herbal teas, dried fruits, and various other traditional products can be found within its bustling halls. It remains an important destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into Istanbul's cultural heritage and trade history.

Sirkeci railway station, also known as Istanbul railway station, is a significant terminal located in Istanbul, Turkey. Situated in Sirkeci, at the tip of Istanbul's historic peninsula, it stands proudly next to the Golden Horn and in close proximity to Gülhane Park and the Topkapı Palace. This terminal, along with Haydarpaşa Terminal on the Asian side, serves as one of Istanbul's main intercity and commuter railway stations. Dating back to 1890, Sirkeci Terminal was built by the Oriental Railway as the final stop of the famous Orient Express. Operating from 1883 to 2009, this iconic train once connected Paris and Istanbul, making Sirkeci Terminal a significant landmark in the city. However, as of 19 March 2013, the station's service was temporarily suspended due to the rehabilitation of the existing rail line between Kazlıçeşme and Halkalı. This suspension was necessary for the construction of the new Marmaray commuter rail line. On 29 October 2013, the public was delighted by the opening of a new underground station, designed to accommodate Marmaray trains traveling across the Bosphorus. With a total of four platforms (three above ground and one underground) and seven tracks (five above ground and two underground), Sirkeci Terminal ensures efficient transportation for commuters and travelers alike. Previously, commuter trains to Halkalı would depart from tracks 2, 3, and 4, while regional and international trains to various destinations, such as Kapıkule, Edirne, Uzunköprü, Bucharest, Sofia, and Belgrade, would depart from tracks 1 and 5. Looking back at its history, the necessity of a railway connecting Europe with Istanbul became evident to the Ottoman authorities after the Crimean War. The first contract for this ambitious project was signed in January 1857 with a British member of parliament named Labro. However, due to a lack of required investment capital, the contract was cancelled three months later. Similar attempts were made in 1860 and 1868 with British and Belgian entrepreneurs, but these contracts also ended in failure. Finally, on 17 April 1869, Baron Maurice de Hirsch (Moritz Freiherr Hirsch auf Gereuth) was awarded the concession for the "Rumeli Railroad," marking a turning point in the development of the railway system in Istanbul.

The Sublime Porte, also known as the Ottoman Porte or High Porte, was the central government of the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul. The name originated from the tradition of the ruler announcing official decisions and judgements at the gate of the palace. This practice had been followed in the Byzantine Empire and was adopted by the Ottoman Turk sultans. Initially, the name referred to a palace in Bursa, Turkey. However, after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, the Imperial Gate, which led to the outermost courtyard of the Topkapı Palace, became known as the "High Gate" or the "Sublime Porte." In 1536, when Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent formed an alliance with King Francis I of France, French diplomats walked through the monumental gate, then called Bab-ı Ali, to reach the Vizierate of Constantinople, the seat of the Sultan's government. As French was the language of diplomacy, the French translation "Sublime Porte" was adopted in most European languages, including English, to refer to not only the actual gate but also as a symbol for the Ottoman Empire. During the 18th century, a new Italian-styled office building was constructed west of the Topkapı Palace area, across Alemdar Caddesi. This became the residence of the Grand Vizier and various ministries, and thus the building, along with the monumental gate leading to its courtyards, came to be known as the Sublime Porte or the Gate of the Pasha. Unfortunately, the building suffered significant damage in a fire in 1911. Today, these buildings house the Istanbul Governor's Office.

The Topkapı Palace, also known as the Seraglio, is a significant museum and library situated in the eastern part of the Fatih district in Istanbul, Turkey. From the 1460s until the completion of Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856, it served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and was the primary residence of the sultans. The construction of the palace was initiated in 1459 under the orders of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, six years after the conquest of Constantinople. Originally called the "New Palace" to differentiate it from the Old Palace in Beyazıt Square, it acquired the name Topkapı, meaning Cannon Gate, in the 19th century. Over the centuries, the complex underwent significant expansions and major renovations after the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire. It comprises four main courtyards and numerous smaller buildings. The harem housed female members of the Sultan's family, while the Imperial Council building hosted important state meetings, including those led by the Grand Vizier. As time progressed, Topkapı Palace gradually lost its prominence after the 17th century. The sultans of that era preferred to spend more time in their newly constructed palaces along the Bosphorus. In 1856, Sultan Abdulmejid I decided to relocate the court to the recently built Dolmabahçe Palace. However, Topkapı retained some of its functions, such as being the home of the imperial treasury, library, and mint. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, Topkapı Palace was transformed into a museum through a government decree issued on April 3, 1924. The Topkapı Palace Museum is now under the administration of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. While the palace complex boasts hundreds of rooms and chambers, only the most significant ones are accessible to the public as of 2020. These include the Ottoman Imperial Harem, the treasury (known as hazine), which houses notable artifacts like the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger. Additionally, the museum collection features Ottoman clothing, weapons, and various other historical artifacts.

Hagia Irene, also known as Saint Irene, is a historical Eastern Orthodox church located in Istanbul. It holds the distinction of being the oldest known church in the city and is the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has never been converted into a mosque. Instead, it served as an arsenal for storing weapons until the 19th century. Today, Hagia Irene functions as a museum and concert hall. The church was initially dedicated to the peace of God and was one of the three shrines that emperors devoted to different attributes of God, along with Hagia Sophia (Wisdom) and Hagia Dynamis. According to tradition, the building was constructed on the site of a pre-Christian temple. It was the first church to be completed in Constantinople, even before Hagia Sophia, during the city's transformation into the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. Emperor Constantine I is said to have commissioned the first Hagia Irene church in the 4th century, which was completed before the end of his reign in 337. It served as the church of the Patriarchate until Hagia Sophia was finished in 360 during the reign of Constantius II. Unfortunately, during the Nika revolt in 532, Hagia Irene was burned down. However, Emperor Justinian I had the church rebuilt in 548. It suffered damages again due to the Constantinople earthquake of October 20, 740, shortly before the death of Leo III. Emperor Constantine V ordered its restoration, which included the decoration of its interior with mosaics and frescoes. Some of these restorations still exist today. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the church was enclosed within the walls of the Topkapi Palace. It was subsequently used by the Janissaries as an arsenal until 1826. During this period, it functioned as a warehouse for military equipment and a repository for trophies of arms.