Construction, ordered by the Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, began in 1459, six years after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapı was originally called the "New Palace" to distinguish it from the Old Palace in Beyazıt Square. It was given the name Topkapı, meaning Cannon Gate, in the 19th century. The complex expanded over the centuries, with major renovations after the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. Female members of the Sultan's family lived in the harem, and leading state officials, including the Grand Vizier, held meetings in the Imperial Council building.

Crowds deter some from visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. It is also held in low esteem by art historians: the elephant feet supporting its dome, and its dodgy tiles, illustrate the classical age when it was past its best. Admire it from afar, from the draughty terrace café of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art.

Another structure that speaks a lot of the rich history of Istanbul is the Column of Constantine. This 35-meter-long column was erected in 330 CE by the empire Constantine in honor of Constantinople’s declaration as to the seat of the Roman Empire. The majestic column decorates the streets of Istanbul and is made from porphyry blocks.

The German Fountain A gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898. It was built in Germany, then transported piece by piece and assembled in its current site in 1900. The neo-Byzantine style fountain's octagonal dome has eight marble columns, and dome's interior is covered with golden mosaics.

The 4th Century Hippodrome is another beautiful ancient structure that once entertained Constantinople. This was once the center of sports like chariot races, protests, celebrations, and festivals. Enjoy the surviving large monuments from all over the empire that decorate this magnificent Hippodrome.

The Basilica Cistern, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern, located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The bases of two columns In the northwest corner of the cistern reuse blocks carved with the face of Medusa.