Free tour

Byzantine Treasures in Islamic Splendor: Discovering Istanbul's Converted Mosques

Duration: 3h
Languages: English
Guru: Mertcan
Quality Verified Registered on April 01, 2023

Hello, I'm Mertcan, a licensed and independent tourist guide from Istanbul. My passion for traveling and exploring new cities has taken me to many different places, but there's nothing quite like guiding tours in my home city of Istanbul. When I guide tours, I take great care to make them as engaging and informative as possible. I understand that visitors to Istanbul may have limited time to see everything, which is why I keep my tours short and packed with interesting information. I focus on the main points of the city's history and culture, giving visitors the chance to explore further on their own if they wish. I limit my tours to 12 people in order to ensure I can attend to each person individually. As a guide, I strive to create a personalized experience for each of my visitors. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family with kids, or a group of friends, I will tailor my tours to suit your needs and interests. I'm also happy to share insider tips and recommendations for other places to visit or things to do in Istanbul, so you can make the most of your time in this incredible city. So if you're looking for a knowledgeable and friendly guide to show you around Istanbul, look no further than me. Join me on a journey through the city's rich history and vibrant culture, and let's create unforgettable memories together :)

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Walk with me through the Byzantine past of the city and discover the old churches of Constantinople!

The Byzantine history of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is a topic that is often given limited attention, despite its significant influence and enduring impact on the city's development.

In this tour, I take you through a number of the most prominent religious buildings that stand as living testaments to the glorious Byzantine era. All of them (except one) are converted into mosques and now serve as mosques.

With every mosque we encounter, we'll witness the vibrant mosaic of cultures that now thrive within their walls. These sacred spaces have embraced a new identity, weaving together Byzantine heritage and Islamic traditions in a harmonious dance of spirituality.

So, join me on this remarkable odyssey, as we embark on a journey to rediscover the soul of Istanbul. Let the echoes of the past guide our steps, as we immerse ourselves in the extraordinary stories hidden within these resplendent converted mosques.

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Beyazıt, Ordu Cad., 34134 Fatih/İstan...
    Beyazıt, Ordu Cad., 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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    In front of the Istanbul University's gate, I will be holding my purple umbrella.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Beyazıt Square / Istanbul University Main Gate

    We meet at the historical main gate of Istanbul University at Beyazıt Square (Beyazıt Meydanı).

  • 2
    Free admission
    The Church of Theotokos Kyriotissa (Kalenderhane Mosque)
  • 3
    Free admission
    The Church of St. Theodoros (Molla Gürani Mosque)
  • 4
    Free admission
    The Monastery of The Pantokrator (Zeyrek Mosque)
  • 5
    Free admission
    The Church of Aya Theodosia (Gül Camii)
  • 6
    Outside visit
    The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

3 ratings
5.0
By category
Professionalism
5.0
Fun
4.67
Expression
5.0
Quality
5.0
Route
5.0
Generic
5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
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1 star
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Lulu 09 Jul 2023
Hamilton

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Jul 2023
If you want a walk with a superbly informed and engaging guide then Mertcan is your guy! Our small group had lots of questions (an indication of how interested we all were) and he answered all with a considered and illuminating response. His knowledge of the city is dizzying; we went down some tiny alleys to see places that wouldn't have been on a regular tourist route.
Fatima 09 Jul 2023

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Jul 2023
Mertcan introduced us to the city in a very informative way. It was smooth nice walk around the city. And he was collaborative and answered all the complicated questions.
Luis 10 Jun 2023
Lisbon

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Jun 2023
Mertcan is very knowledgeable about Istanbul's history, from Byzantine to modern times. It was interesting to learn about the churches converted to mosques Totally recommend!
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.