Abstract:

Istanbul, the most beautiful and influential city in the world, has always attracted people’s interest. Since the capital of the Roman Empire, it has always been remembered with its beauty. The need location, climate, natural ports and many features have included information about Istanbul in many travel and geographical works throughout the history. Istanbul, which has been the capital of three empires, has also made it the richest city of the Eastern Rome, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The aim of this study is to show the impressions of Islamic geographers about the Byzantine period of Istanbul. The Arabic works, written between the 10th and 14th centuries, were studied in order to this goal. In the works of Islamic geographers and travelers, the walls and Ayasofya also hold an important place. The research resulted in data on the walls of Istanbul, the doors, the hypodrome, the Ayasofya church and its surroundings. The walls of Istanbul are quite complex and are passed through every time. Another important thing to think about in Istanbul is the Byzantine Church. After Constantine's acceptance of Christianity, Istanbul has become not only a political center, but also a religious center. Ayasofya, considered the first cathedral in the world, has witnessed various events throughout history. In the Byzantine era, it was understood that Ayasofya was not just a religious center, but a political and social center. However, the holidays celebrated in Ayasophia and Hypodrom have stunning results in the celebration preparations, monastery emperors and monasteries.