Istanbul's Historical Peninsula, known as Sultanahmet, forms the heart of ancient Constantinople and is where the city's most iconic landmarks are concentrated. This UNESCO World Heritage site has witnessed the rise and fall of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Situated strategically between the Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosphorus, it has been a center of power, culture, and commerce for over 2,000 years.
Constantine the Great established Constantinople as the "New Rome" in 330 CE, and the peninsula was enclosed by massive defensive walls. When the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II began transforming the area with Islamic architecture while preserving many Byzantine structures. The result is a unique urban landscape where Christian and Islamic monuments stand side by side, reflecting Istanbul's role as a bridge between East and West.
Today, the Historical Peninsula remains Istanbul's cultural and touristic center, where visitors can experience layers of history within a walkable area. Beyond the monumental structures, its winding streets, traditional wooden houses, lively markets, and atmospheric cafes offer a glimpse into everyday life in this extraordinary city that spans two continents.
