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The Confusion Over the Gate’s Name
Historians do not agree about the true name of a certain entrance in the walls of Constantinople. Some believe that this gate is the...
The Golden Gate and the Changing Fortunes of the Byzantine Empire
The Golden Gate of Constantinople played an important role in the city's military and political history. This gate was not only a symbol of...
Ceremonial Uses of the Golden Gate
The Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) of Constantinople was not just a part of the city’s strong fortifications—it also served as the main ceremonial entrance...
The Siege and the Fall of the Walls
During the siege of Constantinople in 1453, the Turkish forces attacked the city’s defenses relentlessly. Two towers of the Inner Wall and a large...
The Gate of Charisius
A Site of Many Battles
The Gate of Charisius was a significant location in the history of Constantinople, and many important events took place there....
The Gate of Charisius and the Mesoteichion
The Gate of Charisius is located near a direct road that leads to the Imperial Cemetery, making its name very appropriate. The name may...
The Pigeons of the Bayezid Mosque
The famous Bayezidiyeh Mosque, also called the Pigeon Mosque, was built in 1497 by Sultan Bayezid II. It gets its nickname from the many...
The Firefighting Equipment and Spectacle
The fire engines used in old Constantinople (now Istanbul) were small and simple. They were so light that four men could easily carry one...
Firemen More Interesting Than Dogs
While the dogs of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) often attract attention, some visitors find the firemen even more interesting. Fires are quite common in the...
The Fall of Fuad Pasha
A Loyal General's Downfall
Living in Fear The Sultan's Paranoid Court
The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire lived in constant fear for his life. His advisers...
