BEYAZIT SQUARE
BEYAZIT SQUARE
Beyazıt Square, located on the third of Istanbul’s famous seven hills, is at least as old as Istanbul. There are many important structures such as Beyazıt Complex, Beyazıt Mosque and Istanbul University in the square. The square, which is crowded and lively at all hours, has become the heart of the historical peninsula due to its central location.
WHERE IS BEYAZIT SQUARE? HOW TO GO?
Beyazıt Square is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul.
You can go to Beyazıt Square with one of the buses numbered 32A, 36 and 36ES. If you wish, you can take the tram that goes to the T1 Kabataş – Bağcılar route and get off at the Beyazıt stop and reach the square. If you want to use the metro, you should take the metro to the M2 Yenikapı – Hacıosman route and get off at the Vezneciler stop. You can then take a little walk.
ARE THE GRAND BAZAAR AND THE SPICE BAZAAR SAME PLACE?
The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are not the same places. They are two separate markets.
Beyazıt Square is a road you have to cross in order to reach the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. After passing through this historical square, we first come across the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar, whose history dates back to the 15th century, was built during the reign of Mehmet the Conqueror to meet the expenses of Hagia Sophia. Over time, it has become a commercial area and it still continues today. Not only from within the country, but also from many parts of the world, people come to Istanbul to visit this bazaar and shop. The historical Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the world, has been the subject of many paintings and books. There are 3600 workplaces in it. All kinds of clothes, accessories, antiques, books and many more products that you can think of are sold. After visiting the Grand Bazaar, you should also stop by the Spice Bazaar right next to it.
Spice Bazaar was built by Turhan Sultan in 1660. The Spice Bazaar, which is called the New Bazaar and Valide Bazaar at first, has started to be called by this name because it contains a large number of products brought from Egypt. The Spice Bazaar has a total of 6 gates. Spice shops, jewelers, nut shops, household goods, cups, where various spices are sold in it.
THE HISTORY OF BEYAZIT SQUARE:
With the conquest of Istanbul, a palace was built to the north of the square. After the Topkapi Palace was built, the palace here began to be called the Old Palace. In the area to the south of the Old Palace, II. The Beyazıt Complex, which is named after Beyazıt, was built. After the Beyazıt Complex, which was built in 1512, the area between the Old Palace and the Complex was called Beyazıt Square. It is a frequently visited square where many activities were held at that time and today.
The historical Beyazıt Mosque is located in the square. Inside the mosque, there is a soup kitchen, a madrasah and a hammam. The madrasa was converted into a library in 1884. Today, it is open to visitors as the Calligraphy Museum. Imaret functions as the Istanbul State Library. You should definitely visit this square, which has witnessed many moments in history.
