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Valleys Between the Bosporus and the Golden Horn
Between Beşiktaş and Tophane, the coastline of the Bosporus is crossed by four natural valleys that run inland toward the ridge separating the Bosporus...
Transport of the Ottoman Ships Over the Hills
One of the most remarkable events of the siege of Constantinople in 1453 was the decision of Sultan Mehmed II to carry his ships...
Basilike Pyle in Byzantine Historical Sources
The Basilike Pyle, or Imperial Gate, appears many times in Byzantine historical records. These references cover more than a century and show that the...
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 Fifth Military Gate
Gate of the Pempton
The gate located between the second and third towers north of the Lycus River, or between the thirteenth and fourteenth towers...
The Gate of Charisius and Its Historical Significance
The Gate of Charisius, located near Edirne Kapoussi, has several important historical connections and landmarks linked to it. One notable fact is that the...
Edirne Kapı
The Gate of Charisius
The gate known today as Edirne Kapı, located between the eighth and ninth towers north of the Fifth Military Gate, was...
Why Buildings in Constantinople Are Poorly Made
There are several reasons, besides the difficult land layout, for why the houses in Constantinople are built cheaply and without much care.
One main reason...
