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İstanbul, the capital of great empires, has remained a mystery for years with its deep-rooted history... From the moment you set foot in this enigmatic city, you can sense its richly layered cultural fabric with every step that you take. With a unique story in every corner, İstanbul has managed to maintain its mystery for centuries with its legends and epics. Let's take a closer look at the legends of İstanbul that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Secrets of the Hidden Sections of the Grand Bazaar

The most established bazaar in İstanbul, the Grand Bazaar, harbors a mysterious legend. It's said that in the hidden sections of the Grand Bazaar, there used to be workshops that produced silver dinnerware. From the very beginning, the workers in these workshops were sworn not to reveal the location of the passages. There was even a journey beyond the passages, but this was forbidden.

One day, three or four treasure hunters set out to explore the interior of the Grand Bazaar. They entered the labyrinthine passages but only one person returned. The only one who did so lost their sanity. Rumor has it that the forbidden areas of the Grand Bazaar harbor reptiles, birds and insects unlike any other on earth.

The Terrifying Legend of the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, a tourist attraction in İstanbul, is a place where you will feel a slight chill the moment you enter. The cistern was built during the Byzantine period as the largest covered cistern in İstanbul. The most fascinating feature of the structure is undoubtedly the columns bearing the heads of Medusa. In Greek mythology, Medusa is a woman with snakes in her hair, believed to turn those she meets into stone. The inverted head of Medusa is placed atop some columns. How these columns were brought to the cistern remains a mystery but the stories of those lost within are still told today.

The Romantic Story of Galata Tower

Galata Tower, known for bringing lovers together, has this characteristic dating back to the 17th century. Legend has it that Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi fell deeply in love with a girl and had to demonstrate courage to prove his love. He went and flew from Galata Tower to Üsküdar. His flight, etched in history, symbolizes the inseparable bond between love and courage.

The Heartbreaking Story of the Maiden's Tower

The Maiden's Tower, the pearl of the Bosphorus, along with the Galata Tower, is one of the iconic structures in İstanbul. The Maiden's Tower, the subject of numerous legends, has its most famous story as heartbreaking. Rumor has it that a prophet predicted that the emperor's daughter would be killed by a snake on her 18th birthday. The emperor, to protect his daughter, locked her in the Maiden's Tower. But unfortunately, there was no escape from fate. A snake emerged from one of the baskets sent for her birthday, causing the girl to die.

Secret Passages in Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a rich structure with Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Legend has it that beneath this opulent structure lie numerous passages and tunnels built by Byzantine emperors for emergency escapes. In fact, these passages and tunnels lead not only to Hagia Sophia but also to various parts of İstanbul. This legend continues to retain its mystery and is passed down through generations.

The Legend of the Süleymaniye Mosque

According to the legend of the Süleymaniye Mosque, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent wanted to build a mosque. However, he could not decide on a precise location. During this moment of indecision, he had a dream one night. In his dream, Prophet Muhammad appeared, and he told him exactly how and where the mosque should be built. He then summoned Mimar Sinan to the spot indicated by Prophet Muhammad, but Mimar Sinan was already there. Recounting Prophet Muhammad's words to the sultan, Mimar Sinan stated that he had had the same dream. Unable to contain his excitement, the sultan ordered the mosque to be built immediately.

Your Greatest Companion on Your Journey to Discover Legends: Elite World Hotels & Resorts!

İstanbul, a magical city where one day isn't enough, promises an unforgettable adventure. To extend this journey by relaxing and staying close to the transportation hubs of the city, this is where Elite World Hotels & Resorts comes in. Hotels that are located close to the city center, such as Küçükyalı, Taksim, Florya and Basın Ekspres, promise a wonderful accommodation experience with their amenities.

With their proximity to the popular historical sites of the city, Elite World İstanbul Taksim, Elite World Comfy İstanbul Taksim or Elite World Homes İstanbul Bosphorus, where you can experience the spirit of the city with their unparalleled Bosphorus views, are ideal options. 

If you're looking for an extraordinary place to relax and unwind after your exploration tours, do not forget to make a reservation at Elite World Hotels & Resorts.