Exploring the Rich Legacy of Islamic Historical Places in Turkey

Historical Places in Turkey

Many people know Turkey for its idyllic beaches, iconic landmarks, and exceptional blend of culture. However, the country’s Islamic legacy is something worth exploring. Countless historical places in Turkey represent its glorious Islamic heritage. The region has a prominent place in Islamic history and is home to a large Muslim community. At present, 90% of Turks are Muslims. While exploring the rich legacy of Islamic historical places in Turkey, you will be surprised to learn many secrets and fascinating facts about the region.

You cannot say that you have explored Turkey if you haven’t explored its Islamic historical sites. These sites are the heart of the country, especially cities like Istanbul. The region will have the most spectacular mosques, historical tombs, and now-converted museums. It is time to explore Turkey’s sophisticated Islamic culture and heritage during your trip to the country. Get your flights to Turkey from the UK and have the most enlightening time at this picture-perfect destination!

Must-Visit Islamic Historical Places in Turkey

1. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine cathedral from the 6th century. It was the largest building of its era and still stands quite tall. In the 15th century, when Sultan Mehmed II seized Constantinople, this cathedral was converted into a mosque. Now, it is a museum where you learn about the city’s exciting history. 

Architects are stunned by the unique design and splendor of these landmarks. Hagia Sophia was built with a Byzantine architectural style and now has many influences from Islamic architecture. The striking beauty of this spectacular mosque will indeed wow you, and it will be an enlightening experience to visit one of Turkey’s top historical and cultural landmarks. 

2. The Blue Mosque

While exploring Istanbul, you can not miss out on this iconic country landmark. This mosque is a testament to the glorious power of the Ottoman Empire, which is a prominent rule of not only Turkey but of the whole Muslim world. Sultan Ahmed I built this grand mosque in the 17th century, and ever since it has stood in all its glory. This magnificent mosque is an identity of the country, and you can see this stunning mosque from all the aerial views of Istanbul.

If you are an architect or an architecture lover, you will be stunned by the expertise of Turkish architects and artisans who built this mosque. The domes and six minarets surrounding them are visible from afar and add to the mosque’s visual appearance. It also houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I and represents Islamic heritage in Turkey. 

3. Mevlana Museum, Konya

Have you heard about Rumi? He is among the most popular mystic poets of the Islamic world, and the Mevlana Museum is his mausoleum. Rumi belonged to the Mevlevi Order or Sufis; this building was their headquarters. It is now a museum where you can feel closer to Rumi and his mystic writing. So, if you love the work of Rumi and the writing of other Islamic mystic writers, visit this intriguing museum in Konya. 

This building has a stunning blue dome that is an architectural marvel in itself and attracts tourists worldwide. The wooden crafts here are embellished with jewels, and the beautiful metal oil lamps feature renditions of Rumi, which adds to the visual appearance of this landmark. 

4. Topkapi Palace

If you have heard stories about the famous Turkish royalty, the Ottoman Empire, you might already know about their grand lifestyle. Topkapi Palace is a famous royal site in Istanbul that once housed quarters of the wives of the Ottoman household. This palace is unmatched in its exquisite construction and features majestic courtyards, beautiful blue-tinted walls, and thousands of spacious rooms. 

Now, this palace serves as a museum that provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Ottoman households. From clothes and antiques to bear inscriptions and courtyard kitchens, you will find everything here dating back to the 11th century. 

5. The Tomb of Yusa

Can anything be more spectacular than a fascinating historical landmark amidst captivating natural beauty? The Tomb of Yusa is dedicated to Joshua, or Yusya, the assistant of Prophet Moses (AS). It is located on top of a mountain on the Anatolian shore of the Bosphorus in the Beykoz district of Istanbul. 

In addition to the spectacular tomb and shrine, you will find lush green vegetation around this hill, making the view much more breathtaking. You will feel refreshed after exploring this landmark. 

6. Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleyman the Magnificent is among Turkey’s most popular rulers. He commissioned this mosque to be one of the most impressive buildings in the world, and it is now his mausoleum. 

The spectacular architecture and grandeur of this mosque are unmatched. Its 16th-century Ottoman architecture style leaves everyone in awe. This whole complex is worth exploring at least once while exploring the rich legacy of Islamic historical places in Istanbul. 

Final Words

Do you want to explore Turkey’s Islamic heritage soon? You can book flights from the UK through various airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Air France, British Airways, KLM, and numerous others. The country is full of spectacular Islamic architecture that stuns everyone. You must know about these landmarks before you travel to the region to prepare the perfect itinerary.