Turkey

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is one of the most architecturally significant monuments ever built, completed in 537 CE under Byzantine emperor Justinian as the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a millennium. For travellers asking Istanbul in which country, it stands in Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, shaping the identity of a city whose Istanbul population now exceeds 16 million. Its 31 metre central dome was an engineering marvel unmatched until the Renaissance. Following the 1453 Ottoman conquest, the structure became a mosque with four minarets and monumental Islamic calligraphic medallions. In 1934 it was secularised into a museum, and in 2020 reconverted into an active mosque, though non Muslim visitors may enter outside prayer hours, so checking Istanbul time is essential. Inside, shimmering gold mosaics such as the Deësis and Empress Zoe panels coexist with Ottoman roundels bearing the names of Allah, Muhammad and the first caliphs. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, it remains a highlight for anyone arriving via Istanbul Airport and exploring the historic peninsula before sampling Istanbul food at a nearby Istanbul restaurant.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul served as the principal residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from its construction under Mehmed the Conqueror between 1459 and 1465 until Sultan Abdülmecid relocated the court to Dolmabahçe in 1856. For those asking Istanbul in which country, this vast imperial complex stands in Turkey at Sarayburnu, overlooking the Bosphorus and Golden Horn in a city whose Istanbul population now exceeds 16 million. The palace unfolds across four successive walled courtyards, each more exclusive than the last, culminating in the inner harem and the sultan’s private chambers. Inside, the collections are remarkable. The Imperial Treasury safeguards the 86 carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond and the ornate Topkapi Dagger. The Sacred Relics rooms display revered artefacts including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak, sword and beard hairs. The Harem, requiring a separate ticket, reveals the intricate private quarters of around 400 concubines and the sultan’s mother. Plan at least four hours to explore before heading out to sample Istanbul food at a nearby Istanbul restaurant, keeping Istanbul time in mind for closing hours if arriving from Istanbul Airport.