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The Gate Near the Palace of Blachernae
To the north of the second tower in the wall is a gate that matches the Gate of Gyrolimne (Greek: Τάλαί τῆς Γυρολίμνης). This...
The Emperor’s Observation Point
During the siege of Constantinople in 1453, Emperor Constantine XI and the historian George Phrantzes observed the movements of the Turkish army from a...
The Public Gate
Egri Kapou and the Porta Kaligaria
Between the sixth and seventh towers of the Wall of Emperor Manuel Comnenus, there is a gate now called...
Theodosian Walls
A Response to a Growing City
The Theodosian Walls were built because Constantinople grew rapidly in both population and importance. The city had originally been...
Supplying Water to the New Capital
One of the biggest challenges in building the new city of Constantinople was providing enough clean water. While the ancient water system of Byzantium,...
The Three Main Streets of Constantinople
The city of Constantinople had three main streets that served as the major communication routes across the city. These streets were designed to help...
The Sultan and the Pilgrimage to Mecca
Seeing the Sultan
Very few people were able to see the Sultan in person. Their only chance was on Friday, when he would ride through...
Photography Rules and Religious Pilgrimages in Ottoman Constantinople
Limited Photography of Public Officials
Public officials in Turkey do not have their portraits painted or photographs taken as often as leaders in Christian countries....
The Sultan’s Photography Mystery
Religious Rules or Personal Choice?
The Photographer's Explanation
A Constantinople photographer provided an interesting explanation when asked for portraits of the Sultan and other important officials....
Jesus Reveals Who He Is
Jesus introduces himself to the Christians in the city of Smyrna by saying, “I am the First and the Last. I am the one...
