Underneath Istanbul lies another world altogether. The city features hundreds of ancient cisterns beneath the ground, with Basilica Cistern comprising just one of them. Open to the public, this cistern was built in the sixth century by Justinian I. © Evgeniy Fesenko | Dreamstime.com

As one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, Grand Bazaar spans 61 streets and more than 4,000 shops. Hundreds of thousands of people visit each day to admire and buy carpets, lamps and lanterns, ceramics, jewelry and more. © Luciano Mortula | Dreamstime.com

The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque from the Ottoman Empire. Built in the early 17th century, the mosque features hand-painted tiles inside the structure. At night, lights surround the mosque’s main domes, minarets and secondary domes, giving off a blue hue. © Steve Allen | Dreamstime.com

Originally a Greek Orthodox cathedral, the history of the now Islamic Hagia Sophia stretches back to the fourth century A.D. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, witness some of the world’s most breathtaking mosaics within the mosque, as well as the great domed ceilings. © Mikhail Markovskiy | Dreamstime.com

Istanbul, the capital of Türkiye, lies on the Bosporus Strait, a strategic location situated between Europe and Asia. With the Hagia Sophia dominating the skyline, Istanbul offers visitors countless cultural and historical experiences, from its museums to its palaces to its markets. © Seqoya | Dreamstime.com

Lanterns comprise just one of the many items available for purchase in the Grand Bazaar. These lanterns, though, show off artists’ crafts through vibrant colors and unique designs. The classic circular shape with intricate designs makes it an iconic piece, standing out with its bright colors. © Jammir | Dreamstime.com