Sightseeing in Istanbul

Overview

Few medical tourism destinations offer the sheer variety of attractions that Istanbul does.  There are splendid mosques to gawk at, sprawling palaces to admire, museums that give you a glimpse into the city’s rich history, synagogues and churches that date back hundreds of years, the famed hamams to soak in, and cobblestone streets to explore.  There’s just too much to see and experience in just one short trip.  Your medical tourism holiday however, should absolutely not miss out on these stops. 

Hagia Sophia

Built as a cathedral in the 6^th century by the city’s Christian rulers, Hagia Sophia is easily the biggest tourist attraction in Istanbul.  It remained a centre of Christianity for 900 years, until Sultan Mehmet II took over the city. He converted the grand domed building into a mosque, adding minarets. When Turkey became a secular republic, the new rulers decided to strip the structure of all religious symbolism, and the monument currently resides as a museum. Inside, remnants of its Christian and Moslem past still exist - in the icons, the Islamic calligraphy, and the presence of the mihrab, or niche, that points to Mecca. 

Blue Mosque

Built as a rival to Hagia Sophia by Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Cammi, broke first ground in 1609 and was finally completed in 1617.  The plan was ambitious - almost too ambitious, in fact.  By the end of construction, this stunning architectural feat boasted a total of six minarets. The only other mosque in the world at that time with six minarets was the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The ensuing scandal was fierce as Istanbul and Mecca fought over the issue.  Peace only returned when a seventh Minaret was added to the mosque at Mecca to help reestablish dominion over all other mosques.  The Blue Mosque got its name from the distinctive blue cobalt tiles used in its interiors.  In the daytime, the colors from the stained-glass mix with the blue of the tiles to create stunningly beautiful color palettes. 

Topkapi Palace

Built by Mehmet the Conqueror, Topkapi Palace was the seat of all power in the Ottoman Empire.  The walls of this massive structure are steeped in history and grandeur.  The courtyard, the hallways, the fountains – every feature of Topkapi Place was constructed to reflect the power of the Ottomans.  Visitors, however, are usually most intrigued by the harem inside – built to hold the sultan’s 300 wives, concubines, and their children, it includes luxurious residential quarters and an opulent royal bed chamber. 

Turkish and Islamic Art museum

Said to house the most impressive collection of Moslem artifacts in the world, the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum was once the residence of the Vizier, or prime minister, of the Sultan.  Then, it was a beautiful and lavish residence with immaculate gardens and spectacular views. Now, its beauty is accented by the 40,000 exhibits - antique prayer mats, Koran cases, textiles, ceramics, manuscripts, and other fine examples of Ottoman Turkish art.  

The Grand Bazaar

For an Aladdin experience during your medical tourism holiday, head to the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest bazaar in the world.  The 65 streets inside connect more than 6,000 shops, restaurants, markets, mosques, and inns, all interspersed with fountains.  With enough sights, sounds, and smells to overload your senses, you could easily find yourself lost inside the labyrinthine (byzantine) maze for hours.  Like all good things, it’s turned touristy in more recent years, but it’s still an Istanbul experience that’s unforgettable.  

The Hamaams

Another must on your itinerary has to be a visit to the hamaams, although the locals themselves are beginning to tire of the bath houses.  Currently, there are 20 historic hamaams left over from Ottoman rule.  Admission tickets to the historic hamaams are high, but they’re usually maintained better than the local bath houses.  A typical treatment will include a scrub with massage and a relaxing hair wash.  Your masseurs might even throw in a facial if you’ve been generous enough to tip in advance.

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