Sultanahmet stands at the apex of the "historical triangle" chosen as the site first for ancient Rome and Byzantium and then for the Ottoman city of Istanbul. For many centuries in the city's long history Sultanahmet constituted its most important and most highly regarded residented quarter. These slopes calm waters of the sea of Marmara were chosen by the rulers of both Rome and Byzantium as the location of their imperial palaces. At the end of the 15th century, however, the Ottomans chose for their palace a site with a different and wider perspective at the end of the peninsula, commanding a view of both the Bosphorus, the Marmara and the Golden Horn.

The decline began in the middle of the 19th century, following the decision of the Sultans to transfer their residence to the shores of the Bosphorus. And when, at the beginning of the 20th century, the need was felt for a new prison in Istanbul a suitable site was found in the by ten shabby, neglected neighborhood of Sultanahmet, this district, which, until the beginning of the 19th century, had been one of the most distinguished quarters of the city in culture and art, now sank into the depths of dilapidation and neglect.

The Turkish Touring and Automobile Association, the oldest and most firmly established tourist organization in Turkey, found these situation unacceptable, and came to the conclusion that it was essential that a neighborhood containing buildings such as the Palace of the Sultans, Ayasofya and the Blue Mosque should be thoroughly revitalized. It was with this aim and objective that, in 1984, the Association restored the last remaining mansion in the area to its original condition and opened it as the " Yesil Ev". In 1986, the same methods and techniques were employed in restoring the nine old houses shining the outer walls of the Palace and converting them into a series of guest houses, while, at the same time, the ancient Roman cistern beside them was converted into a restaurant. The latest Touring venture is the " Konuk Evi", situated on the left-hand side of the road leading down to the entrance to Gulhane Park at one end of the "Street of the Cool Fountain", the only street in Istanbul which contains no modern buildings and offers a clean, unpolluted air.

Every one of these buildings has its own story. Click below to learn more about...