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Islamic Heritage of the Ottoman Istanbul (Half Day)
Joined 2024
Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, played a major role in Islamic history. Ottoman rulers claimed caliphal authority after the conquest of Egypt by Sultan Selim I in 1517 and Istanbul became the capital of Islamic world. A lot of Islamic holy relics were collected at Topkapı Palace and many Muslim artists came to this city to show their skills.
This tour gives you a great chance to explore the Islamic heritage of Istanbul with a guide who grew up in this culture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, cruise ship port or Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque and Complex
Suleymaniye Mosque and Complex was built by Suleiman the Magnificent who ruled the Ottoman Empire for 46 years. It's where you can see a real Ottoman "külliye (complex)" and feel a spiritual atmosphere.
Rustem Pasha Mosque
It was built by one of the most important grand viziers (prime ministers) of the Ottoman Empire and named after him. I can easily say that you'll see some of the greatest examples of İznik tiles in this mosque.
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace was the home of the Ottoman royal family from the 15th to the 19th century. It has been a museum since 1924 and is one of the most visited places in Turkiye! The palace has so many collections, one of which is holy relics of different prophets.
End of the tour
We'll finish the tour after the palace. If you want, you can spend more time the palace complex or Sultanahmet area or I can help you return to your hotel or cruise ship port.
Ending Point
Topkapı Palace, your hotel, cruise ship port etc.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, hotel meet-up
Topkapı Palace entry fee is 1500 lira per person (only Turkish lira or credit card accepted)
Transportation Fees
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Souvenirs
Tour Important Information
Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday and mosques are not open at prayer times. They are also closed 1 hour before Friday prayer. There is a dress code for the mosques.
On Friday this tour only starts from 09:00
Important message from the supplier
I can work everyday
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Yasin K.
Merhaba (Hello) from a friendly Istanbulite! My name is Yasin, a licenced tour guide who is in love with his city.
Istanbul is more than a regular city. It has been a melting pot of different empires, religions, languages and cultures for centuries! I've been living in this amazing city for 36 years and have about 8 years of experience as a guide. My purpose is not only to show you some historical buildings but also give you a chance to learn more about our unique history, culture-traditions, cuisine, daily life etc.
I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours that you'll always remember. I have basic information on the old/medieval Greek and can read the Ottoman Turkish. I can also understand caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that if you really want to feel the soul of historical buildings, you should know what those inscriptions explain to us. That's why I spent so much time to improve myself in this field.
I also love photography and trying different types of healthy and traditional food. Fortunately, Istanbul gives us a great chance for them. I'll be so happy to help you with them, too!
Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together!
$250/ per group
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