Istanbul Tourist Pass
search

History of the Ottoman Empire

When you visit Istanbul, you will find tens of traces from the glamorous Ottoman Empire. Having ruled the city for over 600 years, Ottoman architecture and arts had a great impact on Istanbul's city soul. During your Istanbul trip, you will find Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and other iconic landmarks in Istanbul that were built during the Ottoman era. Now, let’s learn more about the history of Ottoman-era with a quick summary!

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
January 29, 2022 • 4 min
History of the Ottoman Empire


For over 600 years, the Ottoman Empire ruled over a substantial portion of the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It was established in 1299 and disbanded in 1923, when it was replaced by the Turkey Republic. The Ottoman Empire's Ascendancy In 1299, Osman I, a chief of Turkish tribes in Anatolia, founded the Ottoman Empire. Osman I extended his empire, bringing many of Anatolia's autonomous states under his control. Over the people he conquered, Osman formed a formal government and permitted religious freedom.


Istanbul in Ottoman Empire


The Ottoman Empire began to spread for the next 150 years. The Byzantine Dynasty was the most powerful empire in the land at the time (Eastern Roman Empire). Mehmet II the Conqueror led the Ottoman Empire to conquer Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire's capital, in 1453. He renamed Constantinople Istanbul and made it the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire will become one of the world's biggest and most powerful empires for the next few centuries.


As the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople a vast number of scholars and artists fled to Italy. This aided in the rise of the European Renaissance. It also prompted European nations to seek out new trading routes to the East, beginning the Age of Exploration.


Suleiman The Magnificent


During the reign ofSuleiman the Glorious, the Ottoman Empire achieved its height. From 1520 to 1566, he ruled. During this period, the empire rose to include a large portion of Eastern Europe, including Greece and Hungary.


Suleiman the Magnificent was regarded as all Muslims' earthly king. The Ottomans named him "The Lawgiver." 


 


In the late 1600s, the Ottoman Empire started to fall apart. It started expanding and started to struggle economically with India and Europe. Internal bureaucracy and weak administration contributed to the empire's gradual collapse until 1923, when it was dissolved and Turkey declared a republic.


In the Ottoman Empire, religion was very significant. While the Ottomans were Muslims, they did not compel their captured peoples to convert. They made it possible for Christians and Jews to pray without fear of being persecuted. This stopped the defeated people from revolting and permitted them to reign for too long. Among Ottoman’s most iconic religious buildings, we can findHagia Sophia Mosque and Chora Church. When you travel to Istanbul you will find many more churches and mosques, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan texture.


Ottoman Sultans


The Sultanwas the name given to the ruler of the Ottoman Empire. The eldest son inherited the title of Sultan. When a new Sultan came to power, he would imprison both of his brothers. He will have his brothers executed until he had a son of his own to inherit the throne.


The Sultan and his many wives resided in Istanbul's Topkapi Palace. Fun fact since he was afraid of being killed, the Sultan would move to a new place in the palace at night!


Save Time and Money with Istanbul Tourist Pass!


The Istanbul Tourist Pass is needed whether you are a first-time traveler or returning to the amazing city of culture. The Pass grants access to more than 85 attractions while still saving you money! With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can save up to 75%. You will also save a lot of time with the Pass, since you will not have to stand in ticket queues. All you have to do is screen your pass on your phone, and you’re free to go! There are a slew of other benefits that come with the Pass that you can check out!

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

How to Experience Istanbul Like a True Local
calendar_today Jun 7, 2025 • 5 min

How to Experience Istanbul Like a True Local

Discover Istanbul beyond the tourist trail—immerse yourself in authentic neighborhoods, ride the ferry like a commuter, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast. This guide shows you how to experience the city like a true local.

Discover Turkish Coffee in Istanbul: History, Ritual, Flavor
calendar_today May 22, 2025 • 15 min

Discover Turkish Coffee in Istanbul: History, Ritual, Flavor

Istanbul grew where continents meet, and its spirit still carries notes from every culture that once sailed into the Golden Horn. Byzantine mosaics share the skyline with Ottoman domes. Songs from ferry decks mix with the call to prayer. This mosaic life also lives in the cafés, where conversation rises above clinking glasses of tea […]

Fenerbahçe Stadium and Museum
calendar_today May 9, 2020 • 1 min

Fenerbahçe Stadium and Museum

Visit private areas of the Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium and Sports Complex, learn about the legendary history of this successful soccer team and enjoy an unbelievable experience..

Best Shopping Malls in Istanbul for Tourists
calendar_today Dec 9, 2025 • 10 min

Best Shopping Malls in Istanbul for Tourists

If you are planning a city break with culture, food, and serious retail therapy, the best shopping malls in Istanbul will fit your itinerary perfectly. These centers are weather proof, family friendly, and easy to reach by metro, tram, or ferry. This guide is written for you, dearest Istanbul visitors who want clear directions, sensible […]

Istanbul Airport Arrival Hack: Compare Private Transfer vs. Public Transport
calendar_today May 23, 2024 • 8 min

Istanbul Airport Arrival Hack: Compare Private Transfer vs. Public Transport

Ah, Istanbul! A city that straddles two continents, bursting with history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Its vibrant energy and enchanting allure make it a must-visit destination. However, arriving in this bustling metropolis can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenge of navigating a complex public transport system during rush hour. After a long flight, […]

Meet the Boulder: Istanbul’s Unexpected Tourist Icon
calendar_today Apr 17, 2025 • 4 min

Meet the Boulder: Istanbul’s Unexpected Tourist Icon

The most surprising meetings in Istanbul, a city where centuries-old mosques and palaces rub sides with busy bazaars and modern cafes, usually leave the most impact.  Among its shining attractions—from the majesty of Hagia Sophia to the mystery of the Basilica Cistern—there now sits a modest, chonky tale resting in the center of the city: […]

Upgrade Pass
calendar_today Feb 27, 2025 • 2 min

Upgrade Pass

Istanbul Tourist Pass® Validation 
 
 In order to extend your Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can contact us. It is important that you contact us before your pass ends so that you can have a seamless experience. Istanbul is a magical city with tens of attractions to discover, and it is very normal to want […]

Kuzguncuk Istanbul: Beautiful, Lively, and Quiet
calendar_today May 28, 2025 • 8 min

Kuzguncuk Istanbul: Beautiful, Lively, and Quiet

The first light hits the domes of old Istanbul and every street wakes in its own way. Ferries honk across the Golden Horn, shopkeepers lift metal shutters, and the smell of fresh simit drifts over the bridges. Spend a few days in this vast city and you soon crave a breather from the roar of […]

Why Choose Istanbul Tourist Pass?
calendar_today Feb 12, 2025 • 6 min

Why Choose Istanbul Tourist Pass?

Istanbul is a city of countless beauties where modern vitality coexists with old legacy. There is something for everyone visiting from different parts and cultures of the world. From the magnificent Hagia Sophia to the stunning Bosphorus, this city has a narrative just waiting to be unearthed everywhere. With so much to see and do […]

10 Facts about Hagia Sophia You Never Knew
calendar_today Apr 21, 2025 • 4 min

10 Facts about Hagia Sophia You Never Knew

Discover 10 lesser-known facts about Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. From its construction in the Byzantine era to its role as a mosque and museum, explore the architectural wonders, historical transitions, and cultural significance that make it a timeless symbol of the city.