Officially called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this 17th-century masterpiece sits directly across from Hagia Sophia, facing it almost like a conversation across centuries. One (the Hagia) was once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, then a mosque again. The other (Blue) has been a mosque from the beginning and still welcomes worshippers five times a day. And yes, it really is blue. But maybe not in the way you expect. Why It’s Called the Blue Mosque The name comes from the mo

A Brief History of Istanbul’s Most Public Space Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue are often treated as two separate places. In reality, they function as one continuous space where politics, commerce, culture, and daily life overlap in a way that feels uniquely Istanbul. To understand one, you need the other. Taksim: A Square Built for Control The name Taksim  comes from the Ottoman word for "distribution". In the 18th century, this area sat on the edge of the city and served

Exploring Istanbul’s most atmospheric underground space You know that feeling when a city suddenly gets quiet and you realize you have stepped into a completely different world? That is the Basilica Cistern. One minute you are walking past street vendors and honking cars near Hagia Sophia. The next, you are entering a totally nondescript building and descending underground into cool air, dripping water, glowing arches, and a place that feels like a cinematic dream sequence. I