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)
Byzantine
Monastery of Christ Pantocrator (Zeyrek Mosque) 2024
Church of the Monastery of Christ Pantocrator is located in Fatih district of Istanbul. The building, which attracts attention with its grandeur when looking at the Historical Peninsula from the Golden Horn, serves as the Zeyrek Mosque today. The Pantocrator Monastery was built in the late Byzantine period, and its church was the third most important religious building in … [Read more...] about Monastery of Christ Pantocrator (Zeyrek Mosque) 2024
HAGIA IRENE Entrance Fee & Hours (Updated → 2025)
Hagia Irene is the building with the longest history among the Byzantine churches in Istanbul. When Istanbul was declared the capital of the Roman Empire under the name of Constantinople, there was already a church here. This little church was rebuilt by Emperor Constantine. The church, which was destroyed in a fire during the Nika Revolt, was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian in … [Read more...] about HAGIA IRENE Entrance Fee & Hours (Updated → 2025)
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
Palace of Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Palace Museum) 2024
When Emperor Constantine moved from Rome to Constantinople, a magnificent palace named "Great Palace" was built in the new capital. Seven centuries later, the Palace of Blachernae began to rise. The Palace of Porphyrogenitus, which is the only surviving extension from the Palace of Blachernae, was recently turned into a museum under the name Tekfur Palace. In this article, I … [Read more...] about Palace of Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Palace Museum) 2024
Theodosius Cistern (Serefiye Sarnici) Updated → 2025
Theodosius Cistern is one of the mysterious Byzantine cisterns in Istanbul. The cistern, which was recently restored and opened to visitors, is known locally as the "Serefiye Sarnici". The museum is located in Sultanahmet, Istanbul's most touristic district. In order to reach the underground cistern, you enter a modern-designed glass room and go down the … [Read more...] about Theodosius Cistern (Serefiye Sarnici) Updated → 2025
Great Palace Mosaic Museum (Istanbul) 2024
The Great Palace Mosaic Museum reflects the splendor of the once magnificent Roman palace. Built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, the palace hosted Roman and Byzantine emperors for 800 years. Although the Great Palace was abandoned from the 11th century and was replaced by the Palace of Blachernae, its fame has survived to the present day. The stunning mosaics that … [Read more...] about Great Palace Mosaic Museum (Istanbul) 2024
Byzantine Sites (Museums & Ruins) in Istanbul 2025
There are still many Byzantine sites worth seeing in Istanbul. Most of these structures, built between the 4th and 15th centuries, are located in the Historical Peninsula (former Constantinople). Currently, some of the Byzantine churches and palaces in Istanbul are being restored. When these are finished, I will add new ones to this list. I also try to keep the visitation … [Read more...] about Byzantine Sites (Museums & Ruins) in Istanbul 2025
Roman Empire Map (At its height & Over time) 2025
The Roman Empire map shows the transformation of Rome from a city-state to an empire. Rome, a republic in Italy, evolved over time into an empire that dominates the known world. During the reign of the Five Good Emperors, the Roman Empire was at the height of its power. Romans built a great civilization upon the mathematical, philosophical and medicinal foundations of … [Read more...] about Roman Empire Map (At its height & Over time) 2025