Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square, originally the site of the Hippodrome of Constantinople—a grand horse racing arena built during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great (AD 324)—served as the center of entertainment and politics in Constantinople (the former name of Istanbul) during the Byzantine Empire. In the Ottoman era, the square became home to iconic structures such as the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and Topkapi Palace. Today, it stands as the historical heart of Istanbul, Turkey, showcasing the rich heritage of two great civilizations: Byzantine and Ottoman.