Istanbul hotels review → Accommodation in Beyazit area
Accommodation in Beyazit area
Beyazit: history and shopping
The main advantage of living in historic areas of Istanbul is its attractions, of course. Probably only in Istanbul one may live in a room with a view to the church of two thousand years located a few meters from it. It shows the contrast to Athens, Rome, London and other cities in the world where all the sights are located at some distance from residential areas. Istanbul shopping areas are a real paradise for shopaholics. But what if you are interested in buying as well as walks through the historic areas of Istanbul? The only thing to do is to choose accommodation in Beyazit.
About the Area
Beyazit is a little bit crowded, but very quiet and beautiful ancient area, whose history includes several thousand years. The first trade shops appeared here in the time of the Roman Empire. Basically, in the marble buildings of Constantinople merchants one could find gold, brocade and incense. No wonder. After all, there were houses of Byzantine aristocracy and imperial family located close to Beyazit. After the conquest of the city by the Turks, by a decision of the Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, there was formed the famous Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar
This huge covered market is better to be called trading city. Its area is 31 thousand square meters! There are real streets - sixty-two of them - so you’ll definitely need the market guidebook. You can find everything there: souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, accessories, handbags, belts, shoes... They are even selling books: there is a pressroom of Constantinople in Beyazit where they are still selling books. By the way, when the Ottoman Empire forbade to print books, they sold manuscripts in Beyazit. A tip for those who want to wander along the Grand Bazaar: never buy anything on the first day of your stay in Istanbul. You will have plenty of time for shopping. And, of course, bargain on price! It is so common here.
Suleymaniye
Close to the bazaar, you will see amazing Suleymaniye Mosque, where Sultan Suleiman is buried together with his wife Roxolana, known throughout the East as a kind of "Lady Macbeth of Istanbul". The tomb was built by a great architect Sinan, and in the foundation of Suleymaniye there are a few kilograms of precious stones. Of course, the main value of the mosque is in its size and beauty.
Beyazit Square
Located in the heart of the area - in the Byzantine times it was called Forum Theodosia, it has more than 1800 years - is surrounded by monuments and landmarks. There are: Museum of Calligraphy, Istanbul University, Nurosmaniye mosque, the court of Ali Pasha, Grand Bazaar...
Hotels
There are mostly three star hotels. They are inexpensive, small, but comfortable and offer excellent food. All of them are new: the majority of three star Beyazit hotels were built in 2000 or restored at the same time.
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