Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
1
Aya İrini
CHURCH
Commissioned by Justinian around AD 540, this Byzantine church is almost exactly as old
as its close neighbour, Aya Sofya. When Mehmet the Conqueror began building Topkapı,
the building was within the grounds and was most fortunately retained. Used as an arsenal
for centuries, it now functions as an atmospheric concert venue during the İstanbul Interna-
tional Music Festival (
http://muzik.iksv.org
)
, held each June.
(Hagia Eirene, Church of the Divine
Peace; 1st Court, Topkapı Palace;
Sultanahmet)
2
Gülhane Park
Gülhane Park was once the outer garden of Topkapı Palace, accessed only by the royal
court. These days, crowds of locals come here to picnic under the many trees, promenade
past the formally planted flower beds and enjoy wonderful views over the Golden Horn and
Sea of Marmara from the Set Üstü Çay Bahçesi (
Click here
) in the park's northeastern
edge.
(Gülhane Parkı;
PARK
Gülhane)
