From left to right: The Seraglio Point consisting of the Topkapı Palace and the Sea Walls; the Hagia Sophia; the Sultan Ahmed Mosque; and the Galata Tower in the foreground, across the Golden Horn.
Location of Historic Areas of Istanbul in Istanbul
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Historic Areas of Istanbul (Turkey)
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The Historic Areas of Istanbul are a group of sites in the capital district of
Fatih in the city of
Istanbul, Turkey. These areas were added to the
UNESCOWorld Heritage List in 1985.
The World Heritage site covers four zones, illustrating the major phases of the city's history using its most prestigious monuments:
the Archaeological Park, which in 1953 and 1956 was defined at the tip of the peninsula;
the Süleymaniye quarter, protected in 1980 and 1981;
the Zeyrek quarter, protected in 1979;
the zone of the ramparts, protected in 1981.
Pollution
Air pollution in Turkey, such as
fine dust from traffic, is a serious problem in Istanbul.[1][2] Although the historic peninsula was partially pedestrianised in the early 21st century,[3] a 2015 study found that this is the part of the city which would benefit most from a
low emission zone.[4] However, as of 2022, it was still said to be "car-oriented".[5]