Binbirdirek (“1001 Columns”) is the district just west up the hill from Sultanahmet in Istanbul. It takes its name from the 1001 Columns Cistern (Binbirdirek Sarnıçı)which lies below a small park onto which some of the hotels look (map).
The district has several good hotels, and is just as close to the major sights such as the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Ayasofya and Topkapı Palace, as are the better-known hotels just east of Sultanahmet (map).
In fact, Binbirdirek has the advantage of being west of Sultanahmet, up the hill along Divan Yolu on the way to Cemberlitaş, the Grand Bazaar and Beyazıt Square, making it easier to reach those sights as well.
Hotel room prices tend to be slightly lower in Binbirdirek because the district is not as well known.
Here’s how to get to Binbirdirek and Sultanahmet by tram & Metro from Atatürk Airport.
Hotel Arcadia
Hidden behind the law courts (Adliye Sarayı) that separate the Hippodrome from Binbirdirek, this tall modern hotel boasts the absolute best sunset views of the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque from its rooftop restaurant. More…
Hotel Nena
Consistently ranked highly by guests, the Hotel Nena is very convenient to Sultanahmet and just a few steps south of Divan Yolu. Watch out for street noise on Klodfarer Caddesi, however. More…
—by Tom Brosnahan
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