The historic heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Square, offers visitors a unique sightseeing experience. You can start your tour at Hagia Sophia; however, this magnificent structure is so significant that we have dedicated a separate article to do it justice. Briefly mentioning Hagia Sophia in a general travel guide would not honor its unparalleled heritage, so we recommend checking out our detailed piece on this architectural marvel.
As you move toward the Hippodrome Square, you’ll encounter historic landmarks such as the Basilica Cistern, Firuz Ağa Mosque, the German Fountain, and the square’s iconic monuments—the Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Column. Other must-see attractions include the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Sultanahmet Mosque and its tomb, the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, the Arasta Bazaar behind the mosque, the Istanbul Handicrafts Center, and the Hürrem Sultan Hammam.
The Six Minarets of Sultanahmet Mosque and Its Amusing Legend
The Sultanahmet Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most majestic landmarks, stands out with its six minarets. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and designed by architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa, it is one of the rare mosques in Turkey with six minarets—others being the Grand Çamlıca Mosque on Çamlıca Hill and the Sabancı Mosque in Adana.
A popular local legend humorously explains the mosque’s six minarets. According to the tale, Sultan Ahmed I ordered the architect to build "golden (altın) minarets," but the architect misunderstood and built "six (altı) minarets" instead. While this is nothing more than a whimsical story, the six minarets in reality symbolize the grandeur of Ottoman architecture and the mosque’s distinguished status.
Hürrem Sultan Hammam
Located between Hagia Sophia and the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Hürrem Sultan Hammam is an architectural masterpiece by Mimar Sinan. Built by Hürrem Sultan, the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent, this "double hammam" (separate sections for men and women) has been restored and now offers traditional bath experiences with special service packages.
Architectural Details of the Mosque
The interior of the Sultanahmet Mosque is adorned with exquisite İznik tiles, earning it the nickname "Blue Mosque" due to the dominant blue hues. Its grand central dome spans 23.5 meters, while the courtyard fountain stands out in its simplicity. The complex also includes the Imperial Pavilion, royal tombs, and the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, built over Byzantine palace ruins.
Arasta Bazaar
Situated behind the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Arasta Bazaar once served as stables for horses used in chariot races at the Hippodrome. Today, it has been transformed into a vibrant marketplace filled with souvenir shops.
Final Thoughts
Sultanahmet Square is like an enchanting open-air museum, bearing traces of both Byzantine and Ottoman history. We once again remind you that a structure as magnificent as Hagia Sophia deserves its own dedicated article. As you explore this magical square, every detail—from the mystery of the six minarets to the Hürrem Sultan Hammam, from the mesmerizing tiles to the lively atmosphere of the Arasta Bazaar—will make your visit unforgettable.