The Forum of Constantine was the most important square in Istanbul during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The square was located on the Mese, the main street of Constantinople, and was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. In this article, you can find information about the Forum of Constantine, which was built in Istanbul, the capital of the Roman Empire in the … [Read more...] about The Forum of Constantine in Istanbul today
HISTORY
History of Church of St Polyeuctus (Istanbul)
The ruins of Church of St. Polyeuctus were found during the construction of a road near the Valens Aqueduct in the 1960s. Although only ruins remain from the church, it is very important in terms of shedding light on an important period in Byzantine history. The church was built by Anicia Juliana, daughter of Olybrius, a former Western Roman emperor. The … [Read more...] about History of Church of St Polyeuctus (Istanbul)
Stoudios Monastery (now Imrahor Mosque in Istanbul)
This article is about Monastery of Stoudios, the most important monastery in Eastern Roman (Byzantine) history. Founded by a Roman aristocrat, the monastery had an important place in the political history of Constantinople. The church, which formed the core of the monastery, was dedicated to John the Baptist. Monastery of Stoudios, which was converted into a mosque … [Read more...] about Stoudios Monastery (now Imrahor Mosque in Istanbul)
Summary of Istanbul History (With Descriptive Images)
The city of Istanbul had three different names throughout history. In the past, it was known as Byzantium as a Greek colony. After the Roman emperors settled in the city, its name became Constantinople. Ottomans continued using “Konstantiniyye”, Turkish version for Constantinople, for years. The name Istanbul has become the official name of the city since very recently. In this … [Read more...] about Summary of Istanbul History (With Descriptive Images)
The Story of BYZANTINE CHURCHES in Istanbul (2025)
The first three churches of Constantinople, Hagia Eirene, Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Holy Apostles have not survived in their original form. Therefore, our knowledge of the early Byzantine Churches in Istanbul consists of what we know about the early Christian churches. The first churches of Christianity were inspired by the Basilica, an ancient Roman … [Read more...] about The Story of BYZANTINE CHURCHES in Istanbul (2025)
History of the Monastic Life in Cappadocia (2024)
In the early years of Christianity, Anatolia was one of the regions where the apostles spread Christianity. For this reason, ancient cities of Anatolia such as Ephesus and Antioch are on the pilgrimage route of Christians. Another place that Christians want to see in Turkey is Cappadocia and its cave monasteries. These monasteries are from the Byzantine period when monastic … [Read more...] about History of the Monastic Life in Cappadocia (2024)
Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy in Rome (With Maps)
The Tetrarchy symbolizes a transitional period in the Roman Empire. The Tetrarchy (Rule of Four) was brought by Diocletian and put an end to ciwil wars in Rome for a while. However, this new system caused more wars afterwards. It may be surprising to come across such a detailed article on Tetrarchy in an Istanbul blog. However, the road to the establishment of Constantinople … [Read more...] about Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy in Rome (With Maps)
Life Story of ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM of Antioch
As someone who tries to specialize in the history of Istanbul, I need to open a special title for the people I frequently come across. St. John Chrysostom, as one of the people who marked the fourth century, draws attention with his passionate character and dedication. Since St. John has an important reputation in the Christian world, it is worth mentioning the situation of … [Read more...] about Life Story of ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM of Antioch
Sultan Suleiman’s Wife, Children, Sisters (16th century)
Sultan Suleiman ruled for 46 years when the Ottoman Empire was at the height of its power. The series "Magnificent Century", about Sultan Suleiman's wife, children and sisters, was watched by millions of people around the world. Sultan Suleiman's father was Selim I (the Resolute). Although Selim was the ruler for only 8 years, he had conquered important lands in the history … [Read more...] about Sultan Suleiman’s Wife, Children, Sisters (16th century)
Anatolia (Asia Minor) Map & History & Facts 2024
Anatolia has hosted many civilizations throughout history. Serving as a bridge between Asia and Europe, Anatolia has been an important trade and cultural center throughout its history. In this article, you can find facts about the history of Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor, along with maps. The Hittites stand out as the oldest and most powerful empire in the history of … [Read more...] about Anatolia (Asia Minor) Map & History & Facts 2024