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This ancient basilica,built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century,is one of the architectural marvels of all time. Topkapi Palace: The great palace of the Otoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exguisite collection of cyrstal,silver,and Chinese porcelain,robes worn by the sultans and their families,the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury,miniatures,the holy Mante;ensrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Blue Mosque: Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior deceration of blue Iznik tiles. Hippodrome: Ancient Hippodrome,the scene of chariot races,with the three monuments;the obelisk of Theodosius,the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Underground Cistern: The structure was known in Byzantium as the basilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532.The number of the inhabitants of Constantinople increased and bring a problem of water supply. Basilica Cistern was used to store water for the Great Palace among the other buildings on the Firth Hill. During the Justinian time, After the Conquest the water in the Basilica Cistern were used for the garden of Topkapi Palace. It is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide. The twelve rows of 28 columns each, 336 altogether, capacity of having eight thousand cubic miters water. Basilica Cistern was restored in 1980. Shopping: exhibits the traditional silk weaving girls at the carpet weaving courses authorised by the Ministry of National Education posibility to see jewelery, handicrafts center and leatherware show. Free time provided for shopping. Lunch Include P.P.50$ Private 150$ |