About this experience
Constantinople, the 'City of Abundance and Happiness', Tsargrad - Istanbul changed names and peoples, experiencing great epochs. The tour will focus on their heroines, extraordinary women. You can choose one of two routes. The first, in the footsteps of the Byzantine Empire: you will learn about empresses, their role in history, and the establishment of Christianity. The second, in the footsteps of the Ottoman Empire: I will tell you about three sultanas, about the traditions and customs of the Ottomans. In any case, you will look at the sights and the city from a different angle and enjoy the views from the rooftops.
What to Expect
The main heroines of the tour are women. Great women of two great empires in the history of Constantinople and Istanbul - Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Each topic can be discussed for hours, so I suggest choosing one of the two corresponding routes (each for 4 hours):
1. Immersion in the Byzantine era
Walking through the Old City, you will find traces of Byzantium - you will admire the main Orthodox church of the empire, Hagia Sophia, visit two underground reservoirs, and see the remains of the Hippodrome wall of Constantinople. These places will tell you about the empresses of Byzantium and their important place in history. You will follow the turning points in the fate of the Eastern Roman Empire, immerse yourself in the times of the rule of Justinian and his wife Theodora, Theodosius I, Theodosius II and his sisters Pulcheria, Constantine the Great and his mother Helena. I will talk about the role of the latter in the development of Christianity, and we will also talk about Russian princesses and the connection between Byzantium and Rus. As a result, you will see classic must-see places from a different perspective and feel the grandeur of the city in the Byzantine era.
2. Immersion in the Ottoman era
You will hear a story about the Turks-Ottomans and three sultanas who lived in the heyday of the Ottoman Empire. You will peek into the courtyard of the Topkapi Palace, see the palace of the favorite vizier of the sultan, two sultanas' baths, admire the luxurious Blue Mosque and the Suleymaniye Mosque. Feel the spirit of the East at the Grand Bazaar and see the Ottoman caravanserai. Learn about the life of the great architect Sinan and discover the unknown secrets of his buildings. I will talk about the lives of the sultans and their concubines in the harem, the role and place of women in the Ottoman Empire. About the truth and artistic fiction of Turkish series, weddings, holidays, and Ottoman traditions. Finally, you will immerse yourself in a bright Eastern kaleidoscope of mysteries and intrigues, but you will get a clear idea of the real historical epoch.
Panoramic views from rooftops in both routes
To take a break with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the views of Istanbul, we will visit two rooftops (in the Byzantine route in the Old Town, in the Ottoman - in the Golden Horn bay). In addition, we will walk through the alleys of markets where locals buy Turkish delight, coffee, and other useful and delicious things.
Who Will Enjoy the Tour
Travelers who love history and stories not from guidebooks. The walk will appeal to fans of Turkish historical series 'The Magnificent Century,' 'Kosem Sultan,' and others.
Organizational Details
- I will conduct the tour for you or another licensed guide from our team.
- The cost is specified for 1 of the two 4-hour routes. It is possible to combine them into one excursion with lunch (duration 7-8 hours, cost 500€).
- The tour is on foot, but we can lighten it with tram rides.
- Additional costs: tickets to the Mosaic Museum (Byzantine route) - 7$/person; tickets to the underground reservoir (Byzantine route) - 250-350 lira/person; food and personal expenses.
- As the tour is conducted by a licensed guide, you can visit museums without queuing. Tickets are paid in Turkish lira.
- Children up to 8 years old get a free ticket - to do this, you need to show the child's passport at the box office.
- Also, if desired, you can visit: Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace (additional payment required).
- Dress code: scarves for ladies and covered shoulders for visiting mosques; pants or shorts below the knee for men. Be sure to choose comfortable shoes.
