Carrying Loads the Hard Way
In Constantinople, there are only a few carts and many donkeys carrying goods in baskets on their backs. However, heavy cargo such as wood,...
A City Seen from One Spot
From many places in Constantinople, you can see almost the entire city. Few cities in the world offer such a wide view from a...
The Art of Cooking in Byzantine Times
Cooking is an art, not a science. Even when we have recipes, cooks must interpret and change them to make food enjoyable. When there...
The Venetian Quarter of Constantinople Revisited
The exact location and borders of the Venetian quarter in Constantinople remain a major question in historical studies. Most of what we know comes...
Ceremonies in the Suburbs of Constantinople
This paper focuses on the role of Constantinople’s European suburbs in imperial ceremonies. These suburbs were located just outside the city walls, near important...
The Rock Sanctuary of Yazılıkaya
A Sacred Place Near Hattusha
The Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary is located about one mile from Hattusha, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. This place...
Early Cultural Connections in Anatolia
Early Buildings and Trade
During ancient times, Anatolia was closely connected with other advanced cultures like those in Mesopotamia. Pottery from the Ubaid period (a...
Anatolia and the Bible
What Is Anatolia?
Most of what we now call Turkey was once known as Anatolia or Asia Minor. This land stretches about 1,000 miles from...
A Glimpse into Centuries of Craftsmanship
Silver Craftsmanship at Kalcıdar Han
For over three centuries, the artisans of Istanbul have honed their craft within the walls of Kalcıdar Han, nestled within...
Exploring Istanbul’s Commercial Legacy
A Journey Through History
Istanbul’s vibrant history as a global hub of commerce, art, and craftsmanship is reflected in its diverse array of commercial structures....













