Beyazıt Square: the Forum of Theodosius, the university gate and the Beyazıt Tower
- Parks, squares and seafront
- Beyazıt, Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Beyazıt Square
Visitor information
| Type | Historic square |
|---|---|
| Built | The Byzantine Forum of Theodosius (4th century) |
| Neighbourhood | Beyazıt, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Open-air; at any time of day |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 20–30 min |
| Getting there | T1 Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop, 1 min; M2 Vezneciler 7 min |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 23 min walk (1.6 km) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Easy with a stroller. The square is level and spacious |
| Best time | Between visits to the Grand Bazaar and Süleymaniye |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
History of the square
This was the site of one of Byzantium’s largest forums, built by Emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century. The column fragments with a peacock-eye pattern beside Ordu Avenue come from this forum’s triumphal arch. After the conquest, Mehmed the Conqueror built his first palace, the Old Palace, here. In the 19th century the War Ministry (Seraskerlik) building and its gate were built on the palace grounds; since 1924 the building has been the main building of Istanbul University.
What can you see on the square?
- The Istanbul University gate: The monumental gate on the north side of the square is one of Istanbul’s best-known structures.
- The Beyazıt Tower: Built in 1828 under Mahmud II as a fire watchtower, the tower, about 85 metres high, stands in the university garden; in the past its lights announced the weather.
- The Beyazıt Mosque: The oldest imperial mosque still standing in Istanbul (1501–1506).
- The Book Bazaar: The historic book market next to the mosque.
Walking suggestion
Beyazıt Square is the natural link between the Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque. Leave the Grand Bazaar through the Beyazıt Gate, come to the square via the Book Bazaar, then walk to Süleymaniye in 10 minutes along the road beside the university. The pigeons and open space on the square give children a chance for a short break.
Visiting tips
- Entry to the university campus involves an ID check; you can see the tower and the gate easily from the square.
- During Ramadan there are events on the square and in the mosque; it is lively in the evenings.
- Do not forget to look at the Byzantine column fragments beside Ordu Avenue.
Our family hotels near Beyazıt Square
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Beyazıt Square: 17 min walk (1.2 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Beyazıt Square: 18 min walk (1.2 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Beyazıt Square: 18 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Beyazıt Square: 18 min walk (1.3 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
Can you go up the Beyazıt Tower?
The Beyazıt Tower is in the garden of Istanbul University and is usually not open to visitors. You can see the tower from the square and from the Süleymaniye side.
How do you get to Beyazıt Square?
Get off the T1 tram at the Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop and the square is in front of you. From Sultanahmet it is about a 15-minute walk along Divanyolu.
