Hidden Gems: Little Secrets
This five-hour walking tour of the Galata & Besiktas District across the Golden Horn will take you to a number of little known mosques and maqams. It is a journey that will encompass the 600-year span of the Ottoman Empire from the moment of the Opening of Constantinople to the onset of its demise. This tour will look at the lives of extraordinary rulers like Sultan Abdulhamit II, Hayrettin Barbarossa and the saintly scholar Shaykh Muhammad Zafar al-Madani.
From the works of Mimar Sinan, the celebrated 16th century Ottoman architect to one of the last mosques ever built during the Ottoman period, you will absorb a unique beauty and merging of many different elements and styles. Pray in the Andalusi inspired Hamidiye Mosque where much of the woodwork was crafted by Sultan Abdulhamit II himself. Explore alleyways and side streets which will uncover new hidden secrets.
This is a special tour for the Seeker who wants to experience something out of the ordinary and off the beaten path, yet connect to the deep spiritual history of this city.
Hidden Gems: Little Secrets
Sokullu Mehmed Pasa Mosque
Arap Mosque
Yildiz Hamidiye Mosque
& more*
Tour covers approximately 4 km
All Tours start at $250 USD which covers the cost of 2 adults. Additional participants cost $30 USD each. Children under 12 are FREE.
“This experience was truly unique - weaving through the cobbled streets, making our way to hidden gems…history came to life!”
— Hussain Q, UK
* Each tour consists of walking through special neighborhoods to visit several mosques, maqams, and other places of Islamic significance