Sultanahmet Square

"The Ippodrome, also known as Atmeydanı in Turkish, is a historic square located in the heart of Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Once the site of the Byzantine Hippodrome, it was the center of public life and chariot races in ancient Constantinople. Built during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus in the 2nd century AD, the Hippodrome could hold up to 100,000 spectators, making it a focal point for entertainment, political events, and religious ceremonies. Today, the square retains remnants of its Byzantine past, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, an ancient Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinople in 390 AD, and the Serpent Column, which once stood at Delphi. At one end of the square stands the Blue Mosque, while the Hagia Sophia is just a short walk away, making the area a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Ippodrome serves as a lively public space today, where locals and tourists gather to admire the historical monuments and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul’s Old City. It offers a fascinating insight into the Byzantine Empire’s grandeur while blending seamlessly with Istanbul’s modern-day charm."

"Sultanahmet Meydanı (Sultanahmet Square) is a historic square in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Fatih district, on the site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople. The square is home to some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapı Palace. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. It was a large, U-shaped arena that was used for chariot races and other public events. The Hippodrome was a popular gathering place for the people of Constantinople, and it was often the scene of political and religious demonstrations. The Hippodrome fell into disuse after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The square was used as a market and a military parade ground. In the 19th century, the Ottoman government began to restore the square and its monuments. The Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in 1934, and the Blue Mosque was reopened for worship in 1935."

"Istanbul is the only city in the world that lives on two continents, and while the majority of my time there was spent in Asia, the European side is where you’ll find the vast majority of tourist traps and historic sites. The Hagia Sophia (or Ayasofya) is most iconic and my personal favorite, but a trip to the Sultanahmet Square puts you within throwing distance of not only this but also the Blue Mosque (AKA Sultanahmet), Topkapi Palace, the cisterns, and a handful of amazing museums. You can find discounted combination tickets to let you inside multiple sites, but even just a stroll of the exteriors will astound you."