Historic Areas of Istanbul, World Heritage Site in Fatih district, Turkey.
The Historic Areas of Istanbul comprise approximately 765 acres of protected sites in the Fatih district, featuring major landmarks including the Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and the ancient defensive walls of Constantinople.
The area served as the capital for both the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire for centuries, with Hagia Sophia constructed in 537 AD as a cathedral and Topkapı Palace functioning as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans until the 19th century.
These protected zones showcase the architectural evolution from Byzantine to Ottoman periods, with sites such as the Grand Bazaar operating since the 15th century and maintaining traditional trade practices and craftsmanship that reflect the city's role connecting East and West.
Most historic sites are centrally located in the Fatih district and accessible through public transportation, with entrance fees applicable to major attractions such as Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and guided tours available for detailed historical understanding.
The Basilica Cistern, an underground water storage facility built during the Byzantine era, demonstrates the engineering skills of ancient builders who enabled water distribution throughout the city using hundreds of marble columns supporting vaulted ceilings.
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