İstanbul Photo Route from Dawn to Blue Hour
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We built this day around the order of the light. The old-city skyline from the Üsküdar shore at dawn, the anglers of Galata Bridge in the morning, Balat's coloured houses at midday, the Golden Horn from Süleymaniye in the afternoon, the panorama from Galata Tower at sunset and the bridge at Ortaköy in the blue hour. Both wide-angle and telephoto earn their place, and since tripod permission is limited inside museums, ask at the entrance.
Route Stops
Şemsi Pasha Mosque.
Be on the Üsküdar shore at dawn. The sun rises behind you and lights the skyline and the Maiden's Tower directly ahead.
Galata Bridge.
Cross to Eminönü by ferry. Anglers on the bridge, ferry traffic below and the New Mosque as your backdrop.
Balat Streets.
Take the bus to Balat. In midday light the coloured facades, the cat-lined stairs and the Red School are waiting for you.
The Suleymaniye Mosque, built by Mimar Sinan during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Lawgiver, is one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture and holds great significance both religiously and culturally.
Shoot the Golden Horn and Galata from the courtyard wall in afternoon light. Inside, a wide-angle lens will do the job.
The Suleymaniye Mosque is a monumental structure located on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn in the Fatih district of Istanbul, and is considered one of the most magnificent works of Ottoman architecture. The mosque was built by the order of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, designed by the chief architect Mimar Sinan. Construction began in 1550 and was completed in 1557. Mimar Sinan referred to this structure as his "masterpiece."
The mosque serves as the center of a large complex. This complex includes social service buildings such as a madrasa, library, darüşşifa (hospital), imaret (soup kitchen), hamam, and shops. The mosque has four minarets, two of which have three balconies, while the other two have two balconies each. This symbolizes that Suleiman the Magnificent was the fourth sultan on the Ottoman throne and the tenth sultan overall.
The central dome of the Suleymaniye Mosque has a height of 53 meters and a diameter of 26.5 meters. The dome rests on four large elephant feet and is supported by semi-domes on the sides. The decorations used in the interior are designed with a very simple and aesthetic understanding. The calligraphy, stained glass windows, and examples of calligraphic art are noteworthy.
At the back of the mosque, there are tombs belonging to Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan. Additionally, Mimar Sinan's grave is located just outside the mosque's courtyard. Today, the mosque serves as an active place of worship and is heavily visited by both local and foreign tourists coming to Istanbul. The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the indispensable stops on the worship route in Istanbul due to its architecture, functionality, and historical significance.
The Legendary Structure Adorning Istanbul's Silhouette: Galata Tower
Go up the tower an hour before sunset; 360-degree panorama and the minaret skyline.
The Galata Tower is one of the most magnificent structures in Istanbul, adding grandeur to the city's silhouette and standing the test of time for centuries. Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, this stone tower was one of the tallest buildings of its time and served as both a defense point and a watchtower for many years. After the conquest of Istanbul, the tower was incorporated into Ottoman territory and has been used for various purposes over time, including as a fire observation point, a dungeon, and a storage facility. With a height of 67 meters and a diameter of approximately 9 meters, the tower today offers visitors one of the most impressive panoramic views of Istanbul.
The Galata Tower has also been the subject of many legends throughout history. One of the most well-known stories is that of the 17th-century Ottoman scholar Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, who is said to have flown from here to Üsküdar using wings he made himself. This brave and inspiring attempt is considered an important event symbolizing the scientific curiosity and technological advancement of the Ottoman period. Today, the tower, which is open to visitors as a museum, rewards those who reach the top via its narrow stone stairs with the enchanting view of Istanbul.
When you reach the top of the tower, the winding shores of the Golden Horn, the blues of the Bosphorus, the dazzling silhouette of the Historic Peninsula, and the modern fabric of the city come together to reveal a magnificent contrast between the past and the present. When illuminated at night, the tower takes on a different grandeur, making it one of the most special places that completes Istanbul's romantic atmosphere. With its historical texture, mystical ambiance, and unique view, the Galata Tower is an unforgettable structure that everyone wishing to explore Istanbul must visit.
Ortaköy Square and Mosque.
Take the bus to Ortaköy for the blue hour. The lit bridge and the mosque fit in one frame, and the quay railing works for long exposures.
