Audio GuideSultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square, right in the heart of historic Istanbul, feels alive with stories from centuries past. Wander along its wide, tree-lined paths and you are walking on ground once known as the Hippodrome. For nearly two thousand years, this open space has witnessed Roman chariot races, Byzantine uprisings, grand Ottoman festivals, and now, the lively mix of locals and travelers that fill it every day.

Ank Kumar

Ages ago, crowds flooded the Hippodrome. Its sweeping U shape was built for speed and drama—chariots sped past cheering fans, while emperors watched from private boxes. Races were not just entertainment; they sparked true passion among supporters and even fueled major events like the massive Nika revolt, which shook the city and changed its course.

Ahmet poçanoğlu

Fragments of that glory still stand. In the square’s center, see the Obelisk of Theodosius, a pink granite monument older than Istanbul itself and covered in ancient hieroglyphs. Close by, the Walled Obelisk reaches high, its stone surface once covered in shining bronze. The twisted Serpentine Column spirals up from the ground, a trophy brought from Greece celebrating a distant victory.

Dmytro Korenchuk

Look for the German Fountain, a domed structure with gold mosaics. Gifted by the German emperor in the early twentieth century, it hints at Istanbul’s ties to Europe. Not far away, grand landmarks surround you: the gleaming domes of the Blue Mosque, the mysterious silhouette of Hagia Sophia, and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, each telling a part of Istanbul’s story.

Vedant Chavan

Beneath your feet, ancient cisterns like Yerebatan Sarnıcı and Binbirdirek Sarnıcı whisper of a city always adapting—once holding water for emperors, now hosting cultural events. Sultanahmet Square, with its monuments and vibrant crowds, remains a stage for celebration, debate, and the shared life of Istanbul.

Ilya Malkin