Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Neighbourhood · Turkey · Istanbul
Ortakoy
A waterfront village with a mosque beneath the Bosphorus Bridge.
Free to enter about 1.5 h
For storytellers
Why Ortakoy matters
Ortakoy is a lively spot on the Bosphorus with a baroque mosque set right on the water, the huge bridge soaring above. It is known for baked potatoes with toppings and a weekend craft market. It is lovely at sunset.
Talking points
- The mosque stands at the water's edge.
- Street food includes loaded baked potatoes.
- Weekend market with crafts.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Istanbul
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
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Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
Palace · UNESCO
Topkapi Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
Historic site · UNESCO
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul, Turkey
A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with hundreds of columns.
Market
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.