Excursion Route 2 - From Sultanahmet to Kadırga

 Murat III. Room at the Topkapı Palace, Topkapı Palace Kitchens, Haseki Sultan Bath House, Hagia Sophia Minarets , Selim II. Tomb, Şehzadeler Tomb, Cafer Ağa (Soğukkuyu) Madrasa, Kadırga Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Complex, Rüstem Paşa Madrasa

The architectural works of Sinan at Sultanahmet can be viewed by following a short and busy route. This route covers hundreds of years historical heritage dating back to Roman times.  In this tourists’ region of Istanbul, Sinan’s works have always been among the most popular places frequented by visitors.

Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamam ( Turkısh Bath)

You can start your tour as you stop by the works of architecture within the Topkapı Palace.  The kitchen buildings and the Pavilion of Murat III are the only palace structures by Sinan that have reached our time intact, in their original state.  Decorated with the most striking Iznik tiles of the 16th century, the pavilion reflects the high refinement in the delicate designs that Sinan created for personal spaces.

As you exit the Palace grounds, you will come upon the Haseki Hürrem Bath House, after a short walk.  Its longitudinal plan is not so common and differs from the classical bath house forms of its period; furthermore, the portico located  on the exterior of the building by the men’s entrance reminds one of a mosque.  It is currently being used as a rugs and carpets store and the whole building is open to public.

Across from the bath house, you will find the Hagia Sofia Museum and the structures built by Sinan within its walled-in cemetery area.  The two 16th-century minarets by the west façade of the Hagia Sophia are not within the boundaries of classical proportions.  The way Sinan has re-interpreted the proportions and the details of the minarets reflects his respect for this historic structure.  Within the courtyard of the Hagia Sophia, two tomb structures built by Sinan are located side by side:  the Tomb of Selim II and the Tomb of Regents.  With its dimensions and architecture, the Tomb of Selim II is among the most impressive of the tomb structures, not only of Sinan’s works, but also of Istanbul.  Selim II had a sultan’s mosque built in his name in Edirne; however, wishing to continue the tradition of the Ottoman Sultans’ burial within the cemetery of their own sultanate mosque, he ordered the restoration of the Hagia Sophia mosque, converting it into his own sultanate mosque.

Following your visit to the Hagia Sophia, you can rest at the Cafer Ağa Madrasa, which is on one the side street.  One of the independent madrasa buildings built by Sinan, it is now being used as a center for arts and crafts.  Its original features have been preserved until today.  After viewing the works of calligraphy, marbling, and ceramics displayed in the rooms, you can rest and enjoy the courtyard, with refreshments.

After you stop at the madrasa, if you walk to the end of the Atmeydanı Square and take the road downhill, on a side street you will find another of Sinan’s works.  Despite its proximity to Sultanahmet, this is a relatively peaceful complex.  It was founded by Ismihan Sultan and Sokullu Mehmet Pasha.  The mosque’s exquisite mihrap and tiled panels are adorned with Iznik tiles.

Your sightseeing tour may end with a meal at the famous Sultanahmet Köftecisi.  Later, if you have more time and energy, you can also stop by the last structure along this route, at the Madrasa of Rüstem Pasha, in Cağaloğlu.

From one of the trıps for at the  Caferağa Madrasa  Respect for Sinan Volunteers: Buse Elveriş, Tuba Öz, Zehra Keçeci, Serap Kabil, Ahmet Sezgin.

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