The ancient Istanbul Hippodrome, the scene of Ben Hur-style chariot races gladiatorial combats, and other spectacles, as well as the hub of Byzantine civilian life, where often an emperor's fate balanced precariously on the result of a chariot race, was brought into being in 196 by the Roman emperor Severus. It once prevailed in an area named Sultanahmet, in front of the Blue Mosque, and only three monuments remain of all which once abounded there: the granite Obelisk of Theodosius, one of the most remarkable features, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. On the southwest side of these three monuments, in the square which now encompasses the centre of Istanbul's historical, cultural and tourism activities, the remains of a curved fragment of the Hippodrome's wall can still be seen.

Istanbul shopping has a become very popular, and Istanbul history is most fascinating. Just two out of many more good reason to look at some the first rate Istanbul hotels and visit the city yourself.