It is a city of mystery, a city of wonders, whose history is unlike any other. Istanbul—once known as Byzantium, then renamed Constantinople—served as the capital of three empires. Today, its architectural treasures are enduring legacies of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule.

Once a major stop along the Silk Road, Istanbul’s historic center is now a UNESCO Heritage site. Its past continues to offer up new discoveries and evidence of the quotidien lives of long-ago city dwellers. There are also reminders around every corner of the city’s place in world history, from Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, from the Chora Monastery to the underground ruins of the Byzantine Great Palace.

Serif Yenen, a travel specialist, and author, highlights some of the iconic places to visit along with sites still waiting to be discovered by visitors to this storied city.

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.