The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest and longest lasting empires in history; such that the Ottoman State, its politics, conflicts, and cultural heritage in a vast geography provide one of the longest continuous narratives. With Constantinople as its capital city, and vast control of lands around the Mediterranean basin, the empire was at the center of interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds for over six centuries.

Day 1: Sultanic Complexes

The sultanic mosques are important expressions of the articulaton of political power and religion in the Ottoman Empire. This tour is intended to discover several aspects of Ottoman political system through a visit to foremost Sultanic complexes of Istanbul. The enthronement ceremonies of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, the classical sultanic complexes of Istanbul and the development of Sinan’s architectural style are among the themes that will be tackled durng this tour.
After breakfast, we will drive to the northern shore of the Golden Horn, and visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. The Fatih Complex, the Mosque of Bayezid II, the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque, the Süleymaniye Complex, the Şehzade Complex, the Blue Mosque and the Nuruosmaniye Mosque are the next steps of this wonderful tour.

Day 2: Palaces of the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman palaces were the focal points of political power in the Ottoman Empire. The palaces were the main spaces of public affairs and private life of the sultans. Imperial gardens, legendary harem courts, sultanic pavillions, imperial schools, libraries and treasury halls were the main features of Ottoman palace complexes. We invite you to discover the sites of main palace complexes of Ottoman Istanbul.
In the morning, we will discover the site of the Old Palace, and drive to the Topkapı Palace. After a half-day tour, visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, reflecting the 19th-century decadence of the Empire.

Day 3: The Pious Foundations of the “Hanım Sultans”

Mother sultans and daughters of sultans are important historical actors of Ottoman political and social life. The complexes that were commissioned by the female members of the Ottoman dynasty (hanım sultans), along with the sultanic complexes, are the most important monumental examples of Ottoman architecture. We invite you to discover the pious foundations of “hanım sultans”, and to listen to the adventurous anecdotes of the members of the Ottoman Dynasty.
Drive to the Quarter of Üsküdar, on the Asian part of the city. Visit the  Atik Valide Complex, the Çinili Complex, Üsküdar Yeni Valide Mosque, and Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. After lunch, drive back to the Old City. Visit the Eminönü New Mosque, The Complex of Haseki Hürrem Sultan, the Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque, and the Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.

Day 4: Everyday Life in the Ottoman Empire

The social history of the Ottoman empire is based on a complex system of economic relations and educational structures. We invite you to discover the everyday life and the social history of the Ottoman Empire, through a visit to the main commercial arteries, to the hamams and caravanserais of the old city center.