Trips to Istanbul for Religious Studies Students

Seen from the sea, it’s domes and minarets dominate the skyline of the old part of the city. The architect was given a mandate to spare no expense in creating the most magnificent and beautiful place of Islamic worship in the world.

The Haghia Sophia was the most famous church in Christendom during the Mediaeval period. It was designed by two Athenian mathematicians who used their knowledge to create a structure which supported the largest dome in the world (only surpassed when St Peter's was raised in Rome).

This 11th-century church was renowned for its remarkable mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It has since been converted into a museum.

A sightseeing cruise along the famous Bosphorus. Cross the divide by boat of where East meets West.

Is one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 4000 shops selling jewellery, pottery, spice and carpets. It is reported to have 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily.

The Spice Bazaar is the oldest bazaar in Istanbul, located in Eminönü. After Grand Bazaar it is the second largest covered shopping complex.

Located on the spot where the foundations of the city were first laid in the 7th century BC, the palace offers the most beautiful view of Istanbul, incorporating the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the two shores and the sea of Marmara.