Beyazit is a busy and historically important neighborhood of Istanbul’s Fatih district. Back in the 4th century, Beyazit was where Constantine the Great founded the Forum of Theodosius, which served as the civic center of Constantinople. Students, religious devotees and shoppers alike visit the neighborhood today for its university, mosques and markets.
Beyazit Square is a great place to begin your tour and get your bearings. This was the crux of the ancient Forum of Theodosius, an area of civic buildings, bathhouses, churches and columns. Look for relics of the forum located a short walk to the west of the square. Watch as students pass through the monumental gateway of the University of Istanbul and spot the summit of Beyazit Tower.
Study the imposing architecture and artist designs of Beyazit Mosque, the second Ottoman mosque erected after the Fall of Constantinople. A colonnaded courtyard, minarets and huge central dome are among notable features. The mosque’s bathhouse is now the Turkish Hamam Culture Museum and has exhibits about the history and rituals of Turkish baths. See the Tomb of Sultan Beyazit II and the refined Beyazit State Library, which occupies the old almshouse.
East of the mosque, the Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of colorful covered alleys that create one of Istanbul’s best shopping experiences. Peruse thousands of stores for everything from carpets and ceramics to jewelry, leather goods and spices. Purchase secondhand books, maps and rare prints at Sahaflar Çarşisi book market. Vendors hawk curios and religious items around the mosque.
Coffeehouses, fast food joints and restaurants line the streets that surround the Grand Bazaar. Fill up on typical Turkish dishes such as doner kebabs, kofte meatballs and baklava.
Find the Beyazit neighborhood in the central-eastern region of Fatih. Get here by using Istanbul’s network of public buses and trams. The Beyazit tram stop is just a 5-minute walk from the main square. More Istanbul attractions, including the Blue Mosque and Gülhane Park, are short tram rides away.
