Historical Squares in Istanbul in Winter: A Walk Through History
Istanbul, with its thousands of years of history, carries the traces of the past not only in its streets but also in its squares. Even in the cold and sometimes gray winter days, traveling through these squares offers a chance to discover the city from a different perspective. The historical squares of Istanbul are important centers that have shaped the city both culturally and socially. Here are a few suggestions for the historical squares of Istanbul that will captivate you even on cold winter days.
1. Sultanahmet Square: The Heart of Istanbul
Sultanahmet Square is one of the most important and historical squares in Istanbul. Located in the heart of the capital of the Ottoman Empire, this square is surrounded by the city’s most significant historical structures. In winter, you can follow the traces of the past step by step on the cobblestones covered with snow.
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque: These two iconic structures in Sultanahmet Square symbolize the power of the Ottoman Empire and the elegance of Byzantium. In winter, the interior of these mosques offers a warm atmosphere that provides a mesmerizing experience. The historical texture of Hagia Sophia and the graceful minarets of the Blue Mosque will envelop you with a sense of peace, even in the cold weather.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople: The other significant structure in the square is the ancient Roman Hippodrome. Even today, this area preserves traces of its former glory with its obelisks and ancient structures. Walking through the Hippodrome in the cold winter air allows you to imagine the crowds of people watching the chariot races during the reign of the Roman emperors.
2. Taksim Square: A Blend of Modern and Historical
Taksim Square is the heart of Istanbul’s modern face, but it also blends with the city’s historical texture. When you step into Taksim Square, covered with snow in winter, you can embark on a nostalgic journey through both the symbolic Istiklal Street and the surrounding historical structures.
Istiklal Street: Starting from Taksim Square, Istiklal Street is known for blending traces of the past with modern life. Historic arcades, old cinemas, and nostalgic trams come together at a point where Istanbul’s past meets its present. Walking down the snow-covered street in winter, passing by the nostalgic tram, is an enjoyable way to imagine the old Istanbul.
The Republic Monument: Located at the very center of the square, the Republic Monument symbolizes the Turkish people’s allegiance to the Republic. Especially when it snows, this monument offers a spectacular visual feast. The winter scene in Taksim Square, with its fusion of history and modernism, is mesmerizing.
3. Beyazıt Square: Traces of Islamic Civilization
Beyazıt Square, one of Istanbul’s historical centers, is home to the Beyazıt Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures. In winter, as you walk among these historical buildings, you can feel the traces of both Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire.
Beyazıt Mosque: Built in the 16th century, this mosque is one of Istanbul's most significant religious structures. Located in Beyazıt Square, this mosque reflects the architectural elegance of the Ottoman era. On cold days, the warm atmosphere inside the mosque provides the perfect place to escape the crowds.
Beyazıt Library: Near the square, this library is one of the oldest and most valuable libraries in Istanbul. In winter, spending time here, getting lost in significant books from the past, and gaining historical knowledge in a peaceful atmosphere offers an unforgettable experience.
4. Beşiktaş Square: Where History and Modern Life Meet
Beşiktaş Square is one of the rare squares that brings together historical buildings and modern life. The old mosques, palaces, and neighborhoods of Beşiktaş give this square a rich cultural texture.
Dolmabahçe Palace: Located near Beşiktaş Square, Dolmabahçe Palace symbolizes the last years of the Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Republic. The palace’s majestic buildings provide a warm atmosphere even on cold winter days. The grand rooms inside the palace, the historical walls, and the traces of the late Ottoman period take you back in time.
Beşiktaş Bazaar: The narrow streets and bazaars around Beşiktaş Square open another window into Istanbul’s lively life. In the cold winter, strolling through the bazaar allows you to witness the traces of the past amidst nostalgic shops and historical buildings.
5. Üsküdar Square: The Historical Face of the Bosphorus
Üsküdar, on the Asian side of Istanbul, has modernized without losing its historical texture. Üsküdar Square is an important spot that carries both the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historical traces.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: Located near Üsküdar Square, this mosque is one of the masterpieces of Sinan the Architect and is known as one of Istanbul’s most elegant mosques. In winter, you can spend time in the peaceful atmosphere of this mosque, forming a deep connection to Istanbul’s past.
Çamlıca Hill: Located at the highest point in Üsküdar, Çamlıca Hill offers a panoramic view of Istanbul and presents a landscape that blends with the city’s historical buildings. In winter, the snow-covered view of Istanbul makes visiting this hill even more special.
Conclusion
The historical squares of Istanbul are worth exploring even on cold winter days. Each square tells different stories about the city’s past, while also offering a lifestyle that intertwines with modern life. From Sultanahmet to Taksim, Beyazıt to Beşiktaş, every square offers an experience that connects you with history, even in cold weather. As you walk through the historical squares of Istanbul, you can trace the footprints of the past with every step and enjoy discovering the city from a new perspective.
