Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Caferağa Medresesi
Turn left into Caferiye Sokak to visit this lovely little
medrese
(Islamic school of higher
studies) tucked away in the shadows of Aya Sofya. Commissioned by Süleyman the Mag-
nificent's chief black eunuch, it was built in 1560 and is now home to an organisation sup-
porting traditional handicrafts.
Sokollu Şehit Mehmet Paşa Mosque
Head towards busy Alemdar Caddesi and then veer left to reach the
Hippodrome
(
Click
Sinan Cami Sokak until you reach this splendid Ottoman-era
mosque
, which has an in-
terior adorned with fine İznik tiles.
Little Aya Sofya
Veer left down Şehit Çeşmesı Sokak, then turn left into Kadırga Limanı Caddesi and
you'll soon arrive at Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi, home to
Little Aya Sofya
(
Click here
)
,
one of the most beautiful Byzantine buildings in the city.
Sphendone
Walk east along Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi and continue left up the hill at Aksakal Caddesi.
At the crest is the only remaining built section of the Hippodrome, the
Sphendone
. Op-
posite is a huge carpet shop called
Nakkaş
that has a restored Byzantine cistern in its
basement.
Arasta Bazaar
Continue along Nakilbent Sokak, then veer right down Şifa Hamamı Sokak, turning left
into Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi and continuing straight ahead to the
Arasta Bazaar
(
Click
