Saksagan
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...
Diaspore Zultanite
Diaspore is a rare gemstone found in Turkey's Muğla Province. Notably, this gemstone exhibits a color-changing property, shifting from green to pink under different...
Amethyst in Balıkesir Province
Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz, is found in the Balıkesir-Dursunbey-Gücü region. The Alacam Amethyst Mining Company has been extracting amethyst crystals ranging from...
The Joy of Sunshine
Sunshine always lifts the spirits. Even though we were dirty, unshaven, and traveling through a dangerous land, we didn’t mind. We sang happily as...
On the Road to Permet
We were now on the road that goes from Valona to Janina, heading towards the Greek border. It felt nice to travel smoothly along...
