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Adult: £499.00 Per Person
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Single Supplement: £100.00
Take a journey into the legendary history of the Ottomans in the footsteps of the esteemed Ertugrul Gazi! A brave warrior & leader who was the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire alongside The Travelling Imam, Dr Waleed Hakeem.
The Ottomans created the greatest and most powerful State in Turkish history. In the reign of Murat III (1574- 1595) the Ottoman Empire extended over an area of some 20 million sq km. in three continents. The origins of the Ottomans go back to one of the principalities founded after the destruction of the Seljuk State by the Mongols. This principality had been established by the Kayi tribe, a member of the Oğhuz confederation of Turkish tribes.
The Ottoman principality lay in the district of Soğut and Bilecik in western Anatolia and was first ruled by Ertuğrul Gazi. The latter’s son Osman (from whom the name Ottoman is derived) extended his frontiers to the sea of Marmara in the west and the Black Sea in the north. Then under Orhan Gazi, the whole triangle bounded by the Aegean, the sea of Marmara and the Black Sea fell to the Ottomans, who also crossed over into Europe. It was at this time that the Byzantines lost their important fortresses at İzmit and İznik. In the east, the Ottomans made themselves masters of Ankara, thus taking the first step towards the reunification of Anatolia.
Then 1354 saw another turning point in Turkish history, when Turks crossed the Dardanelles, set foot in Europe and established themselves in Gelibolu (Gallipoli). Sultan Murat I threw himself heart and soul into the European venture, and between 1354 and 1389 the Ottomans advanced from Gelibolu to Kosovo (now in Yugoslavia) and became the paramount power in the Balkans. Crusading armies took the field against the Ottomans but were defeated one by one. Then under Sultan Yıldırım Bayezıt (the Thunderbolt) the Ottomans threw their entire force into Asia.
Join Halal Getaways, proud parent company of Andalucian Routes, who have been providing historic journeys & experiences for over 20 years into the depths of the Rise of the Ottomans, in the Footsteps of Ertugrul.
Istanbul Airport (Google Map)
10am – 11am
Meeting at the airport with your guide and transfer to the hotel. After C/in, meet your guide at hotel
lobby for a short drive to Pierre Lot Hill having opportunity to taste a Turkish coffee at the historical café
with one of the best views of the city. Then we will visit Abu Eyyub Al Ensari Mosque and Tomb and will
have free time for prayer. Visiting Arab Mosque and Underground Mosque which are the most
important examples of Islamic heritage in the city. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your
hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
We start our day at the Topkapi Palace – an incomparably rich treasure-chest, brimming with items of
historical importance (Please note that a visit to the Harem is not included). We will then proceed to the
Haghia Sophia ; undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural creations in the World – used as a mosque
during the time of the Ottoman Empire and today serving as a museum. After a short walk we will reach
the Hippodrome ; the city’s former centre of entertainment, sports and political activities during the Roman
and Byzantine Empires. Here you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from
Delphi and the fountain of Wilhelm II. After a lunch break at a local restaurant. We will then proceed to
the Sultan Ahmed Mosque ; more commonly known as the ‘ Blue Mosque’ because of its magnificent
interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. The Blue Mosque is located just across from the Haghia Sophia and
was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. Our last visit of the day will be to the Grand
Bazaar – the oldest and the largest covered market place in the World, with nearly 4,000 shops full of rich
1 / 3 collections of leather, carpets, jewelry and souvenirs. We then drive back to the hotel where we will
overnight.
After breakfast and c/out from hotel, we continue driving across the first Bosporus Bridge & head for the
summit of Camlica Hill , which offers 360° panoramic views of Istanbul overlooking the Sea of Marmara. Then
we will drive to Bursa, the first capital of Ottomans. Bursa Castle, Osman & Orhan Gazi Tombs are the first
visits… And then, Great Mosque which was built at the end of 14 th C and has the greatest examples of
Islamic calligraphy in the world. Koza Han – Bursa Silk Market is the next point to visit. Green Mosque
and Green Tomb, will be the highlights of the day from Ottoman Era. Overnight at Bursa.
After breakfast and c/out from hotel. First we will visit the Tophane where the Tombs of Osman Ghazi and Orhan Ghazi are. After the visit, we will drive to Sogut. We will visit the Tomb of Ertugrul Ghazi. Also, you will visit the tombs of Alps. You will have free time to dress up like Alps and for lunch. Then we will visit the Ertugrul’s Mosque which is the first mosque built by Kayı Tribe and commisoned by Ertugrul. Then we will drive back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast free time until the departure and transfer to airport for the flight to home…
**Depending on arrival or departure flight details, first day and last day programs can be shifted.