Religious Mystic Tour

Üskudar – Kuzguncuk

We start our tour in Kuzguncuk, which holds great importance in showing how three major religions can coexist peacefully. The presence of a mosque, a church, and a synagogue lined up on the same street in Kuzguncuk attracts the attention of visitors. Kuzguncuk, where three faiths coexist, stands out with its culture of tolerance. The charming streets of this neighborhood also offer fantastic street flavors.

Aziz Mahmut Hudayi Tomb and Mosque

Aziz Mahmud Hudayi’s tomb is of great importance among the spiritual places that must be visited in Istanbul. Aziz Mahmud Hudayi, who earned the respect of many Ottoman sultans and found a place in the hearts of the people of the time, is visited by many. For this reason, his tomb is visited by many people.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Among the most important monuments in the world architectural history, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has an important place in the art world with its architecture, splendor, size, and functionality.

This magnificent structure is the largest church built by the Eastern Roman Empire in Istanbul, and it was built three times on the same site. Today’s Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was built by Emperor Justinianos and the two important architects of the period, Anthemios from Tralles (Aydin) and Isidoros from Miletus (Balat). The structure, which was open for worship as a church for 916 years, was converted into a mosque after Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered Istanbul in 1453.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, one of Mimar Sinan’s students, in the 17th century, was built by Sultan I. Ahmed. The mosque, often referred to as the Blue Mosque due to the intense blue-colored Iznik tiles on its walls, offers a visual feast with its architecture, window decorations, and 21,043 dazzling Iznik tiles on its walls.

Zeyrek Mosque

Zeyrek Mosque is one of the churches from the Byzantine period belonging to the Pantokrator Monastery. The building was built on a wide area with terraces on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn. The church, which is one of the three churches that make up the mosque today, is named Christos Pantokrator, Ruler of the Universe, Archangel Michael, and Merciful Virgin Mary (Theotokos Elaiusa).

Saint George’s Church and Ecumenical Patriarchate (Aya Yorgi Greek Church and Fener Greek Patriarchate)

The ‘Fener Patriarchate,’ also known as the ‘Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’ due to its location in Istanbul’s ‘Fener’ district, has a very important and special place for Orthodox Christians.

St. Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church

According to legend, the Bulgarians living in Istanbul in the 19th century wanted to build an independent church and presented their request to the Ottoman Sultan. However, Sultan Abdulaziz did not want the Bulgarians to build an independent church from the Fener Patriarchate and said, “I will allow the construction of the church if it is completed within three months,” in order not to directly reject the Bulgarians’ request. Let’s hear the rest of the story from our guide during our visit.

Sinagoga de Ahrida

Sinagoga de Ahrida, built in the early 15th century, bears the name of Ohrid, a city in North Macedonia, where its founders emigrated to Istanbul. It is still the largest synagogue in Istanbul today. Founded by the Romanotes, this synagogue gradually became a Sephardic synagogue as the Romanotes assimilated under the Sephardic Jews.

Eyup Sultan Tomb and Mosque

Eyup Sultan Mosque is one of the most important religious places in Istanbul, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. The mosque complex includes Eyup Sultan’s tomb, which is a site of deep reverence.

Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill, located on the slopes of Eyup Sultan Mosque, offers a fantastic view of Istanbul. Here, you’ll find Pierre Loti Cafe, named after the French writer Pierre Loti, who used to sit and watch the Golden Horn for hours.

Let’s listen to more details from our guide during the visit.