Fatih Mosque and Complex features intricate Ottoman architecture and grand domes. Hagia Sophia is largest Byzantine building after Hagia Sofia. Chora Church is ancient church near active madrasa. St. Stephen's Orthodox Church is made entirely of prefabricated iron
Public transportation costs $1 per ride, including subway and tram. Bosphorus cruise costs $6 for 2 hours, with guide fee of $55. Golden Horn ferry runs from Karakoy to Eyüp Sultan, costs $1 each way
Christianity spread rapidly in Roman Empire after Jesus' death. Constantine the Great freed Christianity with Edict of Milan. Constantinople became new capital between 324-330. Early churches were basilica-planned structures in Roman Empire
Atik Sinan was an Ottoman Greek architect for Sultan Mehmed II in 15th century. He designed Istanbul's first selatin mosque, Fatih Mosque, in 1471. His nephew built Bayezid II Mosque. Sultan Mehmed II granted Sinan's mother St. Mary of the Mongols' church
Built between 1463-1470 on site of Church of Holy Apostles. Named after Ottoman sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. First monumental Ottoman imperial architectural project. Designed by Greek architect Atik Sinan
First church dedicated by Constantine in 330, completed by his son Constantius II. Originally dedicated to Twelve Apostles, later believed to be dedicated to only three. Original church featured cruciform plan with marble and gold decoration