- 7 April 2023
- All Categories, Squares
Sultan Ahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square is the starting point of touristic tours in Istanbul. The square was used as a hippodrome during the years when the Roman Empire ruled the region. It was also a hippodrome when it was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire too. That’s why it was known as the Horse Square.
In those days, the local people always gathered in this square and had fun. The stones like Obelisk, Serpent Column and Knitted Obelisk which can still be seen today were used to divide the hippodrome into two. Nowadays, they are among the most important parts of the photographs taken in Sultanahmet Square.
The square got its current name after the Blue Mosque which is one of the first mosques that comes to mind when talking about places to visit in Istanbul, was built in 1616. After seeing the square, you should definitely visit the mosque. After the mosque, you should continue your tour with places to visit such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Ibrahim Pasha Palace, German Fountain and Hagia Irene Church. Of course, you should also taste the famous Sultanahmet Meatballs here.
When you come to this world-famous square, you will see historical artifacts all around. You can spend a full day visiting the nostalgic historical houses which reflect the Roman and Ottoman periods, mosques, palaces and the Basilica Cistern. If you want to explore Istanbul in detail, you can also get on the double-decker touristic tour buses from Sultanahmet Square.