Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, has long been a cultural and artistic hub, embodying the confluence of Eastern and Western influences. Its rich history as the capital of three great empires— Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman—has left an indelible mark on the city, making it a living museum of art, architecture, and culture.
The specially planned visit by Chiara de Nicolais will take a chronological approach to the historical, cultural and artistic development of the city. Begin with the Byzantine and Roman periods and visits to the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, an ancient marvel of Byzantine engineering and the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic symbols of the city’s cultural and artistic importance. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia later became a mosque. Its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and harmonious blend of Christian and Islamic architectural elements symbolize the city's role as a bridge between cultures and religions. The Hagia Sophia's design influenced countless other structures throughout the Ottoman Empire, making it a cornerstone of architectural history.
Moving on to the Ottoman period, Chiara de Nicolais will first focus on the secular development of the city with visits to the Topkapi Palace, another testament to Istanbul's artistic legacy. This sprawling complex served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries and is now a museum showcasing the opulence of the Ottoman court.
Then there will be visits to those sites reflecting the religious development of Istanbul and the city’s mosques, particularly the Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque; both masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. The city's vibrant artistic scene extends beyond its historical landmarks. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are living remnants of the city's long history as a global trading hub, where merchants from across the world brought their goods, stories, and cultural practices. These markets are bustling centres of craftsmanship, where traditional arts such as jewellery making, carpet weaving, and ceramics continue to thrive.
Istanbul is also a city of modern art, with numerous galleries, museums and institutions like the the Sakıp Sabancı Museum which bridge the past and present, showcasing both historical artifacts and modern works.
The journey finishes with a visit to Edirne, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire and a city steeped in cultural and artistic significance. Renowned for its stunning Ottoman architecture, Edirne is home to the Selimiye Mosque, designed by the master architect Mimar Sinan and considered his masterpiece. This UNESCO World Heritage site exemplifies the pinnacle of Ottoman architectural and artistic achievement, with its grand dome and exquisite İznik tiles. Edirne’s Üç Şerefeli Mosque and Bayezid Complex are also testament to the city’s architectural heritage, reflecting the evolution of Ottoman design and the integration of art and public welfare, particularly with the innovative use of various health therapies in the Bayezid complex.
Please note the trip price does not include international flights to and from Istanbul.
Trip Leader: Ms Chiara De Nicolais
Ms Chiara de Nicolais graduated in classics from the University of Milan and in Islamic art and architecture from SOAS. She spent 10-years in the commercial sector at Christie's and then Sotheby's as a specialist; she later worked as an assistant curator in the Middle East department at the Victoria & Albert Museum and is now a co-convenor of the Arts of the Islamic World module of the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art at SOAS.