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Istanbul has a long and rich history that has endowed the city with a wealth of sights to see and experiences to be had. Of course, the most famous attractions such as Topkapı Palace, Ayasofya, and the Sultanahmet Camii (known in English as the Blue Mosque) are well worth visiting, especially for first-time visitors, but there are other places in Türkiye’s largest city that are similarly beautiful yet remain off the radar for the average tourist. The lack of crowds in less-famous places adds to the enjoyment of places like Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Mosque, where the genius of revered Imperial Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan is on full display, as are Türkiye’s splendid Iznik tiles, highly prized for their aesthetic perfection and cultural importance.

: Hünkar Kasri’s beautiful interior

: Yeni Mosque ceiling

Located in the Fatih district’s Kadırga neighbourhood, adjacent to Sultanahmet, the area around the mosque is an earthier Istanbul than the sometimes-crowded tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Taksim. A short stroll away is Küçük Ayasofya Mosque, a smaller version of the more famous building but no less worthy of a visitor’s attention. Back when steel and glass were not common materials in urban construction, every detail of a building was considered part of the whole, resulting in a harmonious balance of strength and aesthetics. The stone, tile, carpets, and decorative objects were all well planned hundreds of years ago; as seen in this splendid building, their presence retains an admirable majesty to this day.

: Gulhane Park, a hidden expanse for an outdoor stroll

: Iznik tilework inside Hünkar Kasri

While the sultans made Topkapı Palace into a showpiece of Turkish architecture and interior design, those same elements are found in the little-known Hünkâr Kasrı next to the stunning Yeni Mosque. Hünkâr Kasrı was the private lounge for the sultans before and after prayers at the mosque; it can easily be mistaken for another wing of the Topkapı Palace, given its regal construction and decor. These centuries-old buildings are in remarkably good condition. As with the other sights mentioned, it is not unlikely that you will have the place to yourself.

Istanbul is a city rich in architectural marvels.

Pegasus Airlines, Türkiye’s robust airline with a vast flight network, brings travellers to Istanbul from dozens of European cities. The Pegasus network extends into Central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East as well. Pegasus Airlines is defined as a low-cost carrier, yet its jets are no less comfortable than those of larger airlines. The advantage of Pegasus is that most of its flights arrive at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on Istanbul’s Asian side, which is a convenient option for travellers heading into central Istanbul, since Istanbul’s main airport was relocated far to the north of the city centre. Arrival and departure at Sabiha Gökçen (airport code SAW) are made more pleasant thanks to Allways, whose meet-and-greet service on arrival and expedited assistance on departure are invaluable in facilitating passage through the airport.

Pegasus jet at the gate

There is great peace of mind in bypassing a long security line when escorted to private VIP security in a quiet area one level up from the main floor of the airport; even better, Pegasus passengers can benefit from a discount on Allways’ services. Even in a busy airport, it is possible to enjoy Türkiye’s warm hospitality as the first and last experiences in a delightful country where travellers are still welcomed as honoured guests.