Seven Hills of Istanbul

Istanbul is a unique city where history, culture and architecture meet, with its thousands of years of history. 

This historical city has hosted many civilizations over the centuries and has also been known as the "City Built on Seven Hills". The seven hills of Istanbul form important parts of both the city's geographical and historical identity. Each hill sheds light on different periods of Istanbul with the structures rising on them and the cultural heritage it contains. 

In this article, we will examine the seven hills of Istanbul and the important historical structures located on these hills.

1. First Hill: Sultanahmet Hill

The first hill of Istanbul is Sultanahmet Hill, the heart of the historical peninsula. This hill was also important during the Byzantine Empire and was the administrative center of the Roman Empire in Istanbul. The most important structure on the hill is Hagia Sophia. Built in 537, Hagia Sophia was considered the largest cathedral in the world for many years and was a religious and political center during both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

Also on the first hill is the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). Built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I, this mosque is one of the symbols of Istanbul with its unique blue tiles and six minarets. Other important structures on the hill include the Hippodrome Square, the Basilica Cistern and the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum.

2. Second Hill: Çemberlitaş Hill

The second hill of Istanbul is in the area known as Çemberlitaş. This hill was an important point of Mese Street, one of the main arteries of the city during the Roman and Byzantine periods. On the hill is the Çemberlitaş Column, erected by Emperor Constantine in 330. This column was built to commemorate the declaration of Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire and has undergone many restorations over time.

Also on Çemberlitaş Hill is the Nuruosmaniye Mosque from the Ottoman period. Built in the 18th century in the Baroque style, this mosque reflects a different style of Ottoman architecture. The Grand Bazaar in the region is a center of attraction for both local and foreign tourists.

3. Third Hill: Süleymaniye Hill

Istanbul's third hill is home to the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive structures in the city. This mosque, a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, was built for Sultan Süleyman in 1557. With its large courtyard, four minarets and impressive dome, the Süleymaniye Mosque is an indispensable part of the Istanbul skyline.

This hill also houses the Süleymaniye Complex, which reflects the wealth and magnificence of the Ottoman Empire. The complex includes structures such as a madrasah, library, bathhouse, hospital and soup kitchen. In addition, the view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus from Süleymaniye Hill is unique.

4. Fourth Hill: Fatih Hill

The Fatih Mosque, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet after he conquered Istanbul, is the most important structure on the fourth hill. This mosque is considered one of the symbols of the conquest of Istanbul and was completed in 1463. With its huge complex, the Fatih Mosque became one of the most important religious and educational centers of the Ottoman Empire.

The Fatih Complex located on this hill consists of many social structures such as madrasahs, a library, baths and a hospital. In addition, the tomb of Fatih Sultan Mehmet is also located here. Fatih Hill is an important center where Ottoman administration and culture developed after the conquest of Istanbul.

5. Fifth Hill: Yavuz Selim Hill

Istanbul's fifth hill is known for the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque. Built in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent in the name of his father Yavuz Sultan Selim, this mosque draws attention with its simplicity and location. The view of the Golden Horn from the hill is quite impressive.

This hill was also an important religious center during the Byzantine period and there were many churches here. However, most of these churches were converted into mosques during the Ottoman period. Yavuz Selim Hill is one of the quiet and peaceful corners of Istanbul with both its historical and natural beauties.

6. Sixth Hill: Edirnekapı Hill

The sixth hill was of great importance in terms of military defense during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque located on this hill is the work of Mimar Sinan and was built in the name of Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque is an elegant structure that attracts attention with its dome and minaret.

Edirnekapı Hill is also located close to the Byzantine walls. During the Byzantine period, this hill was an important part of the city's outer defense line. The walls on the hill are still standing and are among the important ruins that keep the historical texture of Istanbul alive.

7. Seventh Hill: Kocamustafapaşa Hill

The seventh and last hill of Istanbul is located in the Kocamustafapaşa region. This hill was used as a retreat and training place especially for the clergy during the Byzantine period. During the Ottoman period, it became an important religious center with the Kocamustafapaşa Mosque and its social complex.

The Kocamustafapaşa Mosque on the hill was actually built on a Byzantine church. This structure is notable as one of the rare examples of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture together. There are also many old mansions and historical buildings in this area.

Seven Hills of Istanbul: Summits of Culture and History

The seven hills of Istanbul are important elements that shape both the geographical structure and historical riches of the city. Each hill carries traces of different periods, and these traces carry the ancient cultural heritage of Istanbul to the present day. Visiting the seven hills means both discovering the different faces of Istanbul and taking a journey into history.