One of Istanbul's most important historic squares, Beyazıt Square, stands at the heart of the city with its millennia-old past. Bearing traces of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, this square has hosted numerous significant structures and historical events.

Beyazıt Mosque: The Splendor of the Ottomans

Among the square's most magnificent structures is Beyazıt Mosque, built between 1501-1506 by Sultan Bayezid II. Designed by architect Hayreddin, this mosque is one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture. Constructed as a social complex with its külliye (religious complex), it includes a madrasa, hamam, caravanserai, and soup kitchen.
Right behind Beyazıt Mosque lies Istanbul's most famous booksellers' market, the Sahaflar Bazaar. Under the plane tree at the entrance of this historic bazaar, Hüseyin Avni Dede, who has been selling his poetry books and various antiques for 58 years, is one of the living legends of the market.

Beyazıt Fire Tower: Istanbul's Weather Beacon

Dominating the square, the Beyazıt Fire Tower was built in 1828 during the reign of Mahmud II. Originally used to watch for fires, the tower now serves as a meteorological station. Its nighttime illumination predicts the next day's weather:

• Blue light: Clear skies expected
• Green light: Rain forecast
• Yellow light: Foggy conditions
• Red light: Snow coming
  This colorful practice serves as Istanbul's skyward weather calendar.

Istanbul University: The Center of History and Learning

Adjacent to Beyazıt Square stands Istanbul University, an esteemed educational institution with roots stretching back to the Ottoman era. The university's main gate and historic buildings add distinctive character to the square. This area's history actually dates back to Roman times.

Forum Tauri (Square of the Bull) and the Roman Era

The area where Beyazıt Square stands was known in pre-Byzantine times as Forum Tauri (Square of the Bull). A massive bull statue once stood here, and legend says that during Roman times criminals were burned alive inside this statue. The area was later expanded by Emperor Theodosius and became known as the Forum of Theodosius.

Remains from the Forum of Theodosius: Traces of Hercules

One surviving remnant from the forum can be seen today in the Basilica Cistern - the column with tear motifs. This column actually tells a mythological story: It represents the club of Hercules, the demi-god. Upon close inspection, one can discern the imprint of Hercules' hand in the column's details. This unique feature stands as important evidence of how Roman architecture incorporated mythological elements.
Nearby, the Imperial Mint (Darphane-i Amire) building served as the Ottoman Empire's coin production center.

Beyazıt Library and Hamam

Among the square's cultural treasures is the Beyazıt State Library, Turkey's first state library established in 1884. Another significant structure is the Beyazıt Hamam, which now operates as a museum showcasing Turkish bath culture and can be visited free of charge. However, visitors should note one important rule: photography is prohibited inside. While this may disappoint some, the rule helps preserve the authentic atmosphere.
The Beyazıt Hamam also holds historical significance as the starting point of the Patrona Halil Rebellion in 1730, which led to the deposition of Ahmed III and ended the Tulip Period.

Beyazıt Square stands as one of Istanbul's best-preserved historical spaces, with layers of history from Roman to Ottoman, Byzantine to Republican times. With the book-scented atmosphere of Sahaflar Bazaar, the colorful weather predictions of Beyazıt Tower, the historic texture of the hamam, columns bearing Hercules' marks, and the academic air of the university, this square continues to keep Istanbul's memory alive. Every corner holds a different story, making the square a bridge between the city's past and present.