The two masterpieces of religion and architecture that Byzantine emperors devoted to the attributes of God, peace and wisdom, are found in İstanbul. Aya Irini (Hagia Eirene) was devoted to Divine Peace and was built before Ayasofya Grand Mosque which was devoted to Divine Wisdom. Both were built by Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Great when the city was founded and were rebuilt several times until the reign of Justinian in the 6th century.
Topkapı Palace, both the administrative and residential heart of the Ottoman Empire, houses invaluable sacred relics which are kept in Has Oda, the Sultan’s Privy Chamber. Precious belongings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and objects that belonged to prophets including Prophet Muhammad, Prophets Moses and Joseph, and Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.) daughter, son-in-law, and companions along with the key to Ka'bah have been preserved at Topkapı Palace for 500 years. The most important of the relics is the Hirka-i Serif, Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.) mantle, which was brought to İstanbul during the reign of Selim I. Another sacred relic is the Sakal-ı Serif, hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
The ancient city of Byzantion stretched from the Historical Peninsula to the Golden Horn. The name “Golden Horn” derives from its color during sunset. In recent years, the modern buildings of the area were removed, and many historic buildings were excavated and then opened as museums. There are several churches and mosques along with a palace of the Eastern Roman Empire here. The local houses and neighborhood add a unique atmosphere to this area.
From Karaköy & Galata to Taksim along the “Grand Rue de Péra”
On the banks of the Bosphorus and just across from the Historical Peninsula, Karaköy functions as the passage between old and contemporary. As the main port area and the center of trade and sea transportation, Karaköy became the melting pot of many cultures and faiths.