The 7 Hills of İstanbul: A City of Legends and History

The 7 hills of İstanbul reveal not only the geographical features of the city, but also its cultural and religious diversity throughout history.

İstanbul is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in the world with its historical and geographical structure.

İstanbul is a fascinating city not only for its geographical beauties and historical monuments, but also for its ancient legends.

The 7 hills of İstanbul are not only a geographical feature, but also reflect a belief that attributes sanctity to the city. Every civilization that has been in İstanbul, from Roman to Ottoman, has left its own stories and legends on these hills. Even today, these hills keep the spirit and magic of İstanbul alive.

Let's discover the 7 hills of İstanbul together:

1. Sarayburnu Hill (Topkapı and Hagia Sophia District)

The first hill of İstanbul is located in the east of the historical peninsula, at the junction of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn.

Sarayburnu Hill, where important buildings such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are located, was the center of Constantinople, then known as İstanbul, during the Byzantine period and was considered a sacred area.

2. Çemberlitaş Hill

This hill, located in today's Çemberlitaş district, was the site of the Forum of Constantine, founded by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine I. During the Ottoman period, this hill played an important role in the commercial and cultural life of the city.

3. Süleymaniye Hill

This hill is home to the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the most magnificent buildings in İstanbul and a must-see for everyone.

This masterpiece, commissioned to Mimar Sinan by Suleiman the Magnificent, adds an elegant touch to İstanbul's skyline.

4. Fatih Hill (Fatih Mosque and Surroundings)

This hill, where the Fatih Mosque is located, was home to one of the first large Ottoman mosques after the conquest of İstanbul. During the Byzantine period, it was an important religious center where the Church of the Apostles was located.

5. Yavuz Selim Hill

This hill is notable for its location overlooking the Golden Horn. Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque is located on this hill and during the Byzantine period, this area was known as a rich residential area.

Today, Yavuz Selim Hill witnesses the past of İstanbul with its historical texture.

6. Edirnekapı Hill

Overlooking the Golden Horn and the city walls, this hill played an important role in the defense of İstanbul. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque displays the elegance of Ottoman architecture on this hill.

7. Kocamustafapaşa Hill (Aksaray and Samatya Region)

Kocamustafapaşa Hill is located in the Kocamustafapasa neighborhood close to the Marmara Sea. This hill, which dates back to the Samatya region, was home to different religious and cultural communities during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.