Eminonu, Istanbul stretches from the Golden Horn at the North, to the Sea of Marmara, from the South. Really, this part of Istanbul is virtually surrounded by waters, hence, the name “Historic Peninsula”. It is enclosed by the old Byzantine walls and is also by the Bosphorus and the Fatih District. Its enviable position has placed it right smack at the center of history and commerce. That is why, today, Eminonu is a busy tourist district, as it yields quite a number of important sites in Istanbul. This is where you can find the more popular sights in the city, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the Topkapi Palace. Aside from this, you should also have a look at the following:
Sultanahmet Square This is home to the Hippodrome, where the city’s main streets begin. This is also the area where you can find the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. All these will be described in detail on the section on Sultanahmet. Other notable sights near or in the Sultanahmet Square include the Serpentine Column, the Egyptian Obelisk and the Waller Obelisk.
The Basilica Cistern Get caught up in the other worldly feeling of being underneath a bustling city. Explore this forest of graceful pillars (all 336 of them!), including the fascinating Medusa Hear pillars and wonder at the ingenuity of the ancient architects – how they were able to construct these cisterns. The emperor’s homes – first the Great Palace of Constantinople, and consequently the Topkapi Palace, looked to the cistern to provide for their water needs.
Mosques
New Mosque Also called Yeni Cami is a fascinating collection of colored tiles, marble and oh, gold! Now that’s an interesting combination. This mosque is also called the Mosque of the Queen Mother. The project was begun by Sultan Mehmet III’s mother, Safiye. However, after the death of the sultan, it remained unfinished until another Queen Mother, Turhan Hatice, continued the project. Built in the 1600s, it stands at the southern end of the Galata Bridge.
Little St. Sophia Mosque This mosque can be found near the Sultanahmet Square. This is the inspiration for the Hagia Sophia and it was built in the 6th century. It features an umbrella dome, which is supported by eight pillars. When visiting this mosque, look for the capitals that have Theodora and Justinian’s monograms.
Nurosmanye Mosque Begun during the mid 1700s, this mosque features a mixture of Rococo and Baroque styles. This mosque was built by Mustafa and Simen Aga atop one of the city’s famed seven hills. You will find this midway between the districts of Cemberlitas and Sultanahmet.
Other Attractions
Gulhane Park Spend a relaxing afternoon, at this, the city’s oldest park. It is also one of the city’s largest. Another benefit is that you can enjoy great views of the Marmara Sea, as well as a Topkapi Palace gate.
Istanbul University It has the distinction of being one of the first universities founded in Europe. Some of the attractions featured in the main campus would be some ruins harking back to the Roman and Byzantine areas. You should also have a look at the Eski Palace and the Beyazit Tower.
What do you expect to do when in Eminonu?
Aside from all the sight-seeing, you will have a great time shopping. After all, this used to be the crossroads of commerce during the Byzantine and Ottoman rule. The city actually grew from this natural port. Just imagine it buzzing with activity as merchants, traders and sailors bargained, haggled and advertised their wares to one and all. Indeed, it has long served as a shopping area for the locals. The streets are lined with stores and merchants who are enthusiastically hawking their wares. Shopping excursions should include:
Grand Bazaar One look at this shopping institution and you will understand clearly why they dubbed it the Grand Bazaar. The thousands (yes, thousands!) of shops here sell an astonishing variety of souvenirs, carpets, leather goods, gold, antiques and jewelry. You will also find excellent traditional clothing here.
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar)
Mercan Just a little further from the Grand Bazaar, this area specializes in leather goods.
Sirkeci Not just a dock for the ferries that ply the Bosphorus and Marmara route. At the back of the docks are streets lined with stores that sell stationery, bicycles and electronic goods.
Tahtakale Garden and kitchen implements are the merchandise of choice at this area.
Cagaloglu Caters to the city’s printing needs and also has a lot of bookshops.
Sultanhamam Right behind the Egyptian bazaar, you can pore over the shops that sell toys and fashion jewelry.
Kumkapi Fresh fish galore! Enjoy the freshest and finest seafood at this fish market that also has a number of restaurants.
One should note that shopping in Eminonu is for those who revel in exploring the warren of narrow streets in search of a bargain. There are no chic boutiques in this part of town.
Eminonu is also a travel hub, with an extensive network of trams, metro railways, buses and ferries plying various routes across the city. If you want to go for ferry rides across the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus, Eminonu is your choice of destination.
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