Fatih History: Fatih Historical Tour and Guide in Istanbul
Fatih history guide: Fatih Sultan Mehmed's Istanbul, Fatih Mosque and historic peninsula walking tour; duration, route and booking tips.
Fatih history covers two things at once: the Fatih district, which holds Istanbul's historic peninsula, and Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror (Fatih), who took the city in 1453. Hagia Sophia, the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar are all in the same district, within walking distance of one another. The most efficient way is to see this route on a roughly 3-hour walk with a licensed guide.
What does Fatih history cover, and where is Fatih in Istanbul?
Fatih is a district on the European side of Istanbul, on the peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Süleymaniye, Balat and Fener are also within this district. Constantinople, the capital of the Roman and Byzantine empires, was founded here. It also became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. That is why, walking the peninsula, you can see a Byzantine cistern, a Roman-era hippodrome and Ottoman mosques all in one day.
The district's name comes from the Fatih Mosque complex commissioned by Fatih Sultan Mehmed. So "Fatih" is both a place name and a title.
Who was Fatih Sultan Mehmed, and how did he take Istanbul?
Sultan Mehmed II was born in Edirne in 1432. He first ascended the throne as a child, and from 1451 until his death he reigned a second time. The Ottoman army besieged the walls on 6 April 1453, and the city was taken on 29 May 1453. Mehmed was twenty-one at the time. One of the best-known moments of the siege is the hauling of ships overland and launching them into the Golden Horn.
After the conquest, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, the city was redeveloped, and the capital moved from Edirne to Istanbul. Construction of Topkapı Palace also began during his reign, in the mid-15th century. The bedesten that forms the core of the Grand Bazaar also dates from this period. Mehmed died in 1481. The title "Fatih", meaning "the Conqueror", became closely associated with him.
What is the history of the Fatih Mosque?
The Fatih Mosque is the largest complex Mehmed commissioned in the city. Construction ran from 1463 to 1470, and the architect was Atik Sinan. The mosque was built on the site of the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles (Havariyyun). The complex included a mosque, madrasas and charitable institutions.
The mosque you see today is not the original building. The 1766 earthquake destroyed the original mosque. It was rebuilt during the reign of Mustafa III and completed in 1771. The new mosque has a different plan. Traces of the earlier period remain in the courtyard and colonnades. Fatih Sultan Mehmed's tomb is also at the rear of the complex. Visiting hours may change, so check before you go.
What does the historic peninsula walking tour cover, and how long does it take?
The classic Sultanahmet-centred route takes about 3 hours. The Istanbul Historic Peninsula Walking Tour starts with a meeting point in Sultanahmet and passes these stops:
- Hippodrome: The square that once hosted chariot races and was considered the social centre of Constantinople. The Obelisk of Theodosius is here too.
- Hagia Sophia: Built in the 6th century and converted into a mosque after Fatih's conquest.
- Sultanahmet Mosque: Built at the start of the 17th century, known for its six minarets and blue tiles.
- Basilica Cistern: An underground water reservoir dating from the Byzantine period.
- Grand Bazaar: The present form of a bazaar tradition that began in the Fatih era.
The guide's job here is to answer on the spot the question "why is this column here?" Making these connections on your own is difficult. Whether each building can be entered, and the entry conditions, may vary by schedule. Read the description on the booking page and check the current situation before your visit.
Is the Fatih Mosque included in the tour, and how do you get there?
The Fatih Mosque is about 3 km from Sultanahmet and lies outside the classic Sultanahmet walking route. So it is healthier to plan it as a separate stop on another day. You can reach it from Sultanahmet by tram, bus or taxi. Check the route on a map before you go. On Friday lunchtime prayer hours, mosques may be closed or restricted to visitors. It is a good idea to schedule the Fatih Mosque for a day other than Friday.
If you want an in-depth understanding of Fatih and its era, do the walking tour first, then visit the Fatih Mosque and tomb on your own the next morning. What you learned on the tour will fall into place there.
How do you plan a history trip to Fatih in October?
In October the weather is usually good for walking. There is also a chance of rain, so take a light waterproof or a small umbrella. The Hippodrome and squares are open spaces. If rain starts, covered stops such as the cistern and the bazaar are useful.
- When entering mosques, shoulders and knees should be covered. A shawl or headscarf is useful for women.
- Mosques may close to visitors during prayer times. Scheduling the tour closer to morning makes this easier.
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for Sultanahmet's stone streets.
- Opening hours and entry arrangements may change. Check before your visit, especially for Hagia Sophia.
How should you choose a history tour, and how do you book?
When choosing, look at three things: the meeting point, the duration, and whether the guide is licensed. The Istanbul Historic Peninsula Walking Tour meets in Sultanahmet, lasts 3 hours and is walked with a licensed guide. This length is enough for a first introduction. If you want to explore more slowly or take photographs, consider setting aside an extra half day alongside the tour.
To book, open the tour page on TurB2C and select the date and number of people. Even in moderately busy months such as October, places can fill quickly on weekends and during holidays. If your plans are fixed, book a few days in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fatih in Istanbul, and which area should you visit for Fatih history?
Fatih is the district that covers the whole historic peninsula. For history enthusiasts, the main area is Sultanahmet and its surroundings. The Fatih Mosque lies a little further west.
Where is the tomb of Fatih Sultan Mehmed?
The tomb is in the Fatih Mosque complex, behind the mosque. Check visiting hours before you go.
Is the history of the Salatul Fatih related to Fatih Sultan Mehmed?
No. The Salâtü'l-Fâtih is a salawat prayer generally associated with the Tijaniyya order. Here "fâtih" means "the opener" in Arabic, and it has no connection with Fatih Sultan Mehmed or the Fatih district of Istanbul.
How long does a Fatih history tour take?
The Sultanahmet-centred walking tour takes about 3 hours. If you add the Fatih Mosque separately, it may take up half a day.
