Explore Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, situated on the European side of the city. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and as the location of some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Here's an overview of Sultanahmet: Sultanahmet is steeped in history, as it was the heart of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and later the Ottoman Empire. It was named after Sultan Ahmed I, who ordered the construction of several significant buildings in the area during the early 17th century. Sultanahmet is home to some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, a magnificent former Byzantine church turned mosque turned museum. Other notable landmarks include the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), famous for its striking blue tiles and six minarets, and the Topkapi Palace, the former royal residence of the Ottoman sultans. Another fascinating attraction in Sultanahmet is the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir dating back to the Byzantine period. Visitors can explore the cistern's cavernous interior, supported by rows of marble columns, and admire the atmospheric lighting and Medusa heads at its base. The Hippodrome was once the sporting and social center of Constantinople, featuring chariot races and public gatherings. Today, only a few remnants of the original structure remain, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Constantine Obelisk. While not located directly in Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar is within walking distance and is a must-visit destination for shoppers. This sprawling covered market is one of the oldest and largest in the world, offering a vast array of goods, including jewelry, textiles, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs. Sultanahmet's rich cultural heritage is evident in its vibrant street life, traditional Turkish restaurants, and authentic tea houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, sample Turkish cuisine, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people. Sultanahmet is a popular tourist destination in Istanbul, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its historical sites and soak up its unique atmosphere. The neighborhood is well-served by hotels, restaurants, and transportation options, making it convenient for tourists to explore the area. Overall, Sultanahmet is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into Istanbul's illustrious past and serving as a focal point for tourism in the city.
Country
Turkey
Best Time to Visit
January, February, March
Ideal Duration
n/a
Visa Rules
Last updated: 2025-04-26 13:33:44
Tourist Visa
Indian citizens need a visa to visit Turkey for tourism. You can apply for a visa online or in person at a Turkish embassy or consulate.
Visa types:
1. E-visa: Available to Indian citizens with a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or Schengen.
2. Sticker visa: Available to Indian citizens who don't have a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or Schengen. You can apply for a sticker visa in person at a Turkish embassy or consulate.
Documents Required:
1. Passport:
o Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
o Photocopies: Data and amendment pages of the applicant’s passport.
o Old Passports: Original old passport booklets if any.
2. Photographs:
o 2 recent passport-size photographs with a white background (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches).
3. Visa Form:
o Completed online visa application form available at Turkish Consulate Visa Application.
4. Covering Letter:
o For Individuals/Family: Addressed to The Visa Officer, Consulate General of Turkey. Should detail the profile of the applicants, purpose of travel, travel dates, and day-to-day details.
o For Officials/Sponsored Applicants: Can be on company letterhead.
5. Bank Statements:
o Original Statements: Last 3 months, from personal and company accounts with bank seal and signature.
o Statements should reflect proof of funds and income, and be from active accounts.
o Statements should be of a closing date close to the date of visa application (A4 size preferred).
6. Income Tax Returns (ITR):
o Latest 3 years Income Tax Acknowledgement/ITR-V (Saral) for individuals and the company.
7. Itinerary / Air Tickets:
o Return Tickets: Confirmed return air tickets, including internal flight/train tickets if any.
o Itinerary: Detailed day-wise itinerary of the tour.
8. Purpose of Travel / Accommodation:
o Proof of Accommodation: Hotel vouchers, booking certificates, and payment receipts from the tour operator.
o Purpose at Destination: Any other proof related to the purpose of visit.
9. Supporting Credentials:
Businessmen:
o Proprietorship Certificate, Certificate of Registration, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Partnership Deed.
o Notary and Mantralaya/MEA attestation required for each applicant.
o NOC from partners or Directors if applicable.
Employees:
o Leave sanction letter (Government employees/public servants) or last 3 months salary statements (Private firms).
o Company ID card (optional).
Pensioners:
o Retirement Certificate/Letter, Copy of Pension Book, and pension statements for the last three months.
Students:
o Leave sanction letter from the educational institution for travel during working days, Bonafide Certificate, and School/College ID card (optional).
Newlyweds/Honeymooners:
o Marriage Certificate (original) or wedding invitation card/photographs if the marriage certificate is not ready.
Children Traveling Unaccompanied:
o Notary attested NOC from both or either parent if unaccompanied, passport copies of parents, or birth certificate if parents do not have passports.
Travelers Unaccompanied by Spouse/Partner:
o Notary attested NOC from the unaccompanied spouse, passport copy of the unaccompanied spouse or any government ID proof.
10. Additional Supporting Documents (if available):
o FD Receipts, Public Shares/Debentures Certificates, Asset Evaluation Report from a CA.
Disclaimers
The above list of documents is the standard requirement for the visa application. The Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Application Centres reserve the right to request additional documents for verification.
Travelspoc does not guarantee the outcome of any visa application. Decisions on visa applications are at the sole discretion of the respective Embassy/Consulate/High Commission.
Visa Application Centres and Embassy Information
Visa Application Centres: New Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kolkatta, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Trivandrum, Pondicherry, Hyderabad
Embassy of Turkey, Delhi
Address: 50-N, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Tel : 011 2688 9053
Email : embassy.newdelhi@mfa.gov.tr
Mumbai Turkish Consulate General
Address: No: 101, 10th Floor, Maker Chambers IV, 222, Jamnalal Bajaj Road, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400 021
Tel : 00-91-22- 2204 0365
Email : consulate.mumbai@mfa.gov.tr
Hyderabad Turkish Consulate General
Address: Plot No:656, Road No:34 Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500033
Tel : +91-7675-998992 , +91-40-6623-2323
Email : consulate.hyderabad@mfa.gov.tr
The official website to apply for a Turkey e-Visa is: