10 Must-Visit Landmarks That Define Istanbul’s Skyline
The skyline of Istanbul is a dramatic combination of domes, minarets, towers and bridges which narrate the history of empires, religions and contemporary life. This is an action oriented guide to a route that explores all the angles of the city.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and subsequently an imperial mosque, is at the heart of the Historic Peninsula with its huge central dome. Action: Be at opening time, make a circuit of exterior, taking photographs, and go to upper gallery, where you can get sweeps of interior.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The Blue Mosque is a reflection of Hagia Sophia, with six minarets and cascading domes, over the square. Action: Wear simple clothes, go between praying sessions and shoot out of the courtyard to create a skyline of minarets.
Süleymaniye Mosque
It is situated on one of the seven hills of Istanbul and provides city views as well as architectural beauty. Action: Go there in the afternoon, not much before sunset, and take tea in the terraces that are near by.
Topkapi Palace
The tip of the peninsula is crowned by the seat of former Ottoman sultans. Action: The terraces and Harem should be prioritized; the views of the palace roofs should be taken into the water using the Bosphorus facing perspectives.
Galata Tower
This is a medieval tower made of stone giving the 360 degree view of the city. Action: You should reserve tickets in advance and plan to visit in the evening during the sunset; then walk down to Karakoy to take some night shots of the tower being lit up.
Grand Bazaar Roofline
The domes and low roofs of the bazaar create a unique stratum in the skyline. Action: First investigate interior alleys, and then locate higher streets nearby to shoot the clustered domes overhead.
Dolmabahçe Palace
It has a palace on the water, bordering the Bosphorus and its ornate facade contrasts with the mosques on the hills. Action: Enter by ferry or cruise to take a photograph of all the facade with the city behind.
Bosphorus Bridges
The suspension bridges are enormous bridges connecting continents that light up at night. Action: Go on an evening cruise of Bosphorus; pay attention to the shots when the bridges with the silhouette of mosques and the city lights are in the background.
Çamlıca Mosque and Hill
This new mosque is the one that is on the top of the Asian side and it is the most dominant on the horizon. Action: Go there just before sunset, and enjoy the blue hour to have the glittering European skyline across the water.
Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
This tower, which is situated on a small island, is a romantic center point at the entrance to the Bosphorus. Action: Have it photographed on the shore at Uskudar, and then board a small boat, so that you can be close to the city skyline with a close-up of the building to the background.
3-Day Action Plan
Day 1: Old Peninsula (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi, Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye).
Day 2: Galata tower, Dolmabahce, Bosphorus night cruise.
Day 3: Çamlıca Hill and Maiden Tower at Üsküdar. Bring good shoes to wear, a power bank, and a flexible schedule to be able to hang about whenever the skyline robs you of breath.
