The Constantinople Era
In the Seventh Century B.C.E., the Megarians, following the advice of the
Delphic Oracle, founded a city by the name of Byzantium in Sarayburnu.
The Megarians were the first historical people to settle in the area of present-day Istanbul. In the 680s
B.C.E., they migrated from Greece, passed through the Marmara Sea and founded the city of
Chalcedon in the place of the current neighborhood of Kadıköy, on the Asian side. The first
inhabitants of Chalcedon were agriculturists, and bear the dubious honor of being known as “The
Nation of the Blind”. In the 660s B.C.E., another group of Megarians founded a city at the present-
day location of Sarayburnu. According to legend, these Megarians visited the oracle at the Temple of
Delphi before setting out by sea to establish a city. The oracle advised them to settle “directly
opposite the Nation of the Blind”.
When they reached the present-day site of Sarayburnu, the
Megarian colonists were impressed by its height and by the fact that it was naturally protected on
three sides by the sea. After they noticed Chalcedon, directly across the Bosphorus from Sarayburnu,
they thought to themselves, “Anyone who could establish a city in view of such a perfect site must
indeed be blind!”
The Byzantion period
The Megarians decided that the oracle’s vague advice must have referred to Istanbul – Sarayburnu,
and established the first settlement in their city here. They gave the name “Byzantium” to the city,
after one of their captains, Byzas.
In this way, the roots of Istanbul were set during the Seventh
Century B.C.E. -known as the beginning of the Byzantine Period -by Megarian colonists from
Greece.
In 278 B.C.E., Byzantium was besieged by Teutonic tribes who had come from the west.
After triumphing in the Macedonian Wars in 146 B.C.E., the Romans took control of the Balkans and
Asia Minor; of course, Byzantium, too, became part of the Roman Empire. In 330 C.E., the Roman
Emperor Constantine I proclaimed Byzantium the new capital of the Empire, and began to renovate
the city. The city was rechristened as “Constantinople”, and, from that day forward, became one of
the most important locations in the Christian World.
The Roman Empire was officially split into
two parts, the East and the West in 395 C.E. In 476 C.E. the Ostrogoths removed the Western Roman
Emperor Romulus Augustus from the throne and thereby returned the entire Empire to Zeno, the
Eastern Roman Emperor. This transfer of power marked the downfall of the Western Roman Empire
and Constantinople’s establishment as the single imperial capital. Thereafter, Constantinople became
a uniquely eastern Orthodox city.
Constantine The Great
The Latin Occupation
The Crusaders first reached Istanbul is 1096 C.E. After learning of
the controversy over the Byzantine throne, the Crusaders decided
to take the opportunity to enter the city.
With the help of the Venetians, they were able to enter the
Golden Horn, and took the city on 13 April 1204 C.E. Immediately following their arrival, they
began to exploit and impoverish the city; Constantinople’s nobles and wealthy classes had fled to the
city of Nicaea to the east.
Return to Byzantine
The Second Byzantine Period began in 1261 with the retaking of Istanbul from the Latins by the
Palaiologos Dynasty. However, the city was never to return to its former importance and glory.
Throughout the Second Byzantine Period, the city began to be surrounded slowly by the Ottomans,
and, eventually, the inevitability of its fall became clear. From 1393 onward, the city was forced to
pay a tribute to the Ottomans. Although it was surrounded in 1393 by Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid and in
1422 by Sultan Murat II, neither of them was able to take the city completely.
Before the Byzantines
The first evidence of human life in Istanbul, one of the world’s oldest cities,
dates back 300 thousand years.
First inhabitants of Istanbul
Excavations conducted at Yarımburgaz cave have uncovered evidence of human culture in the region
of Küçükçekmece Lake. Collective inhabitation of Istanbul, which would later become one of the
most crowded cities in the world, dates back to the Sixth Millennium B.C.E. These societies
inhabited caves on both the European and Anatolian sides of the city.
While the first societies to exist in the area of Istanbul were nomadic and semi-nomadic, more
culturally-developed groups -whose livelihood relied upon fishing, agriculture, and animal
husbandry- emerged over time. Research conducted at Fikirtepe has shown that these societies
engaged in fishing and raising such animals as dogs, sheep, goats, oxen, and pigs from the Sixth
Millennium B.C.E. onward.
Forming the City
With the arrival of the Third Millennium B.C.E., settlement in Istanbul and the surrounding areas
grew rapidly, and city-states began to form. Throughout the area’s entire history, and particularly
during this era, the area near Sultanahmet Square—which would later become the seat of three
different empires—was an important focus of settlement.
The first societies to reside in and around Istanbul—which is today such an important economic
center in the global arena—were nomadic and semi-nomadic. In the Third Millennium B.C.E., after
the establishment of permanent settlements, Sultanahmet Square and the area nearby became an
important center of growth.
Republican Period and New
Istanbul
After the end of the invasion, Istanbul entered a new era with the declaration
of the republic.
Losing the Capital Title
Istanbul, which was a capital to three great empires, left this title to Ankara. The population, which
was around 850 thousand at the turn of the century, decreased to 700 thousand in the population
census of 1927 with the turn towards Republican Period.
While the efforts for westernization were shifted to Ankara in cultural, political, economical,
architectural and ideological respects, Istanbul was seriously neglected. And Istanbul, in its history of
over two thousand years, started to be governed from the outside for the first time. Much less
resources than it produced were allocated to the city, which continued to be
the economical and commercial center.
In this period, no work was done with regards to urban planning. There were only changes which
reflected the ideology of the fresh state; changing of the street names, allocation of buildings of
Ottoman dynasty and empire for new functions, [Link]’s turning into amuseum, imperial
organizations being opened to service with new names and purposes were mere symbolic activities
during the period.
First Moves of Urban Planning
The first moves regarding Istanbul’s urban planning started when Adnan Menderes, leader of
the Democratic Party, was in power. Social movements starting after the 1950s and a population
explosion resulted in frantic architectural growth in Istanbul. The modern city image devised by
Democratic Party executives added to the development. The roads, which were launched to service in
spite of the destruction of the historical city, changed the fabric of the city.
Between 1950 and 1960, many main highways were opened to public service and already active ones
were expanded. When those roads were being opened to public service, thousands of buildings were
demolished. Many historical sites were damaged. Many works of art were either transferred or
destroyed. Also in this period major buildings were constructed which reflect the change in city’s
architectural canvas such as the Municipality, Hilton Hotel and Divan Hotel.
Between the years 1950 – 1960, Istanbul did not undergo any notable urban planning. This did not
occur until the 1970s, after the urbanization works in Democratic Party period were long
entrenched.
Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges
In 1973, Bosphorus Bridge was opened to service. The Bosphorus Bridge, with its surrounding
approach ways, caused the emergence of new settlements and new fields of profitability in the
neighborhoods of the metropolis.
After the 1980s, a second settlement plan was put into action, though it was not as comprehensive as
the first. The clearance of industrial institutions from The Golden Horn,the opening of Fatih Sultan
Mehmed Bridge in 1988 as the second bridge over Boshporus, Tarlabaşı Boulevard, piled road in
European side of Bosphorus, the coast between Kadıköy and Bostancı’s being filled and turned into a
highway, express tram, and a metro project between Taksim-Levent were the major works in this
plan. Also in those years, the migrationto Istanbul increasingly gained speed. The city was
surrounded by shanty towns and cheap cooperative houses.
The Openning of Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge
The 1980s saw industrial institutions moved out of the city. Thanks to the popularization of
the natural gas network and meticulous controls in coal consumption, residents of Istanbul lived a
winter of tranquility regarding air pollution. Also, the water supply problem, one of the most
troubling issues of the city, was handled for the most part as a result of the employment of new
facilities of water supply and new investments on water softening and its distribution.
The Amazing Hagia Sophia
One of Istanbul’s most significant symbols, Hagia Sophia, one of the most
important masterpieces of world architecture.
Above all else, visitors to Istanbul long to see Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia is both one
of Istanbul’s most prominent symbols and one of the most important structures in all of world
architecture. Its unique character as a symbol of taste and ostentation makes it, above all, an imperial
masterpiece. At the time it was built, it had no equal; no other building resembling it. With this in
mind, it is clear that the magnificence of the structure was meant to inspire awe above all else. Hagia
Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian the First. Although it is a Byzantine structure,
Hagia Sophia is nonetheless a typical example of the Roman architectural tradition. When it was
built, Hagia Sophia was unlike any structure that had come before it, and its architectural
dimensions were not surpassed by another building for a thousand years.
While Hagia Sophia left its visitors awestruck with its magnificence during the era in which it was
built, its construction originated from the belief that it could only come about with the aid of divine
power. Therefore, Hagia Sophia is also a symbol of Medieval mysticism. Although its original name
was indeed Hagia Sophia, it is often mistakenly thought that it was named after Saint Sophia. In
fact, the name Sophia, as applied to the Ayasofya, is not the name of a saint at all, but the name of
the second member of the Christian Holy Trinity, the “Holy Wisdom”. It is for this reason that the
church was known as the Hagia Sophia. During the first period of its existence, it was known by the
Byzantine people as the “Giant Church” (Megale Ekklesia). It began to be known as Ayasofya after
the conquering of Istanbul in the year 1453.
In fact, the first structure known as Hagia Sophia—a closed basilica covered by a wooden roof—
was built in the year 360. Throughout its history, this first structure was frequently damaged by many
rebellions and fires. Finally, Emperor Justinian the First (527 – 565) decided to construct a
magnificent house of worship rather than repair the old structure. In order to do so, he contracted two
architects Isidoros and Anetmios.
The emperor spared no expense in his goal to create a place of worship unlike any other that had
been seen up until that time. Materials for the construction, which lasted five years, were gathered
immediately from every direction. Pillars were even taken from the Pagan temples
of Ephesus and Artemis for use in the building.
Hagia Sophia has suffered significant damage on many occasions since it was built. The most
serious of these occurred during the time of the Fourth Crusade. In the year 1204, the knights who
had taken the city plundered many of Hagia Sophia’s holy and valuable relics in the name of
Christianity. Fortunately, the city was saved from the invasion of the Crusaders in 1261.
On the 29th of May, 1453, the day that Istanbul was conquered, Fatih Sultan Mehmed went
directly to Hagia Sophia upon entering the city. He rechristened it as a mosque, and ordered that the
necessary renovations to the structure immediately be made.
The Architecture of Ayasofya is a Magnificent Imperial Artifact
Hagia Sophia’s tall “Imperial Door” is at the centre of the museum entrance inside the courtyard. A
mosaic panel that was completed in the Ninth Century is located directly above this door. Portraits of
the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel are found on the medallions to either side of this mosaic.
Hagia Sophia’s most magnificent feature is certainly is great dome, which rests as though hung from
the air itself, and encloses the entire building. Its walls and ceiling surfaces are covered with multi-
colored marble and mosaics. The 107 columns that are found on both the bottom floor and on the
mezzanine are characteristic examples of decorative art from the Byzantine Empire in the Sixth
Century. The deeply-hollowed out marble columns, so characteristic of that era, play lovely games
with the shadows and interior light. In the middle of these columns, the imperial monogram is found.
At the apex of the half-dome, a mosaic of the Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus resting in her lap can be
seen, while to the right is a mosaic of the Archangel Gabriel.
The large circular disks made from leather, which hang on the walls at the mezzanine level and the
inscriptions on the dome testify to the building’s use as a mosque. The calligraphic works on the
dome and disk are each masterpieces written by famous master calligraphers who lived in the middle
of the Nineteenth Century. The names Allah, Hz. Mohammed, 4 Caliphs and Hasan - Huseyin are
written on the circular panels.
At the north corner of the building, one finds the “crying pillar”. At the bottom portion of this pillar,
there is a hole surrounded by a bronze band. According to an ancient tradition, if you place your
finger into this hole and make a wish, your wish will surely be granted...
In the north wing of the building a single mosaic panel is found, while in the south wing one
encounters three mosaics each depicting three figures. In the south gallery, a masterpiece
of Byzantine mosaic technique is found, delicately placed in the sunshine that enters from an
adjacent window. Here, you will find a mosaic known as “Diesis”, which depicts three figures on
Judgment Day. Jesus is in the middle of this panel, with Mary one his right and John the Baptist on
his left. As you leave the museum through the exit corridor, you can see a giant mosaic panel that
dates from the Tenth Century. The figures in this mosaic, which are out of proportion, include the
Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus. On either side of the mosaic, there are depictions of Constantine the
Great holding a model of the city and the Emperor Justinian holding a model of Hagia Sophia.
Finally, at the exit, one finds a pair of bronze doors, partially sunken in the ground, which dates from
the Second Century B.C.E. and are thought to have been brought to the site from a Pagan temple.
Ayasofya, which continued to exist as a mosque throughout the Ottoman Period, was the object of
the special interest of all of the sultans. Over time, the building was filled with objects unique to the
culture of the Ottoman period. In this way, the building remains today as a masterpiece that displays
the influence of each of the two religions and cultures. The tombs found in Hagia Sophia, with
interior decoration, tiles, and construction, are wonderful classic examples of traditional Ottoman
tomb design.
OPIS ZA FAKULTATIVU
Hagia Sophia, the church of Divine Wisdom, was a Pagan temple first. Then it was turned into a mosque and it is a place
to see before you die! This immense building is full of mysteries and we guarantee that Hagia Sophia will be an
unforgettable place for you. Touch the 'weeping column' to be healed of many illnesses, drink from the well in the great
hall, see the tomb of Queen Sophia that would cause the whole place to come tumbling down if touched by anyone!
HRANA:
Look out for the street vendors and
Midye Dolma Mussels with rice filling
fish restaurants in Istanbul!
Buffets at the Taksim Square are the
Islak Hamburger Burgers wetted with a special sauce
best places for it!
A sandwich of lamb intestines. (Sounds
Kokoreç Şampiyon Kokoreç
weird but it is incredibly tasty!)
Çiğ Köfte Raw spicy meatballs (with no meat) Komagene, Oses, Sırrı Usta & more
Lahmacun Minced meat on a thin piece of dough Köşkeroğlu, Borsam Taşfırın, Hacıoğlu
A sweet pastry made of layers, filled
Baklava Karaköy Güllüoğlu, Dedeoğlu
with nuts or pistachio
7. Climb to the historical tower that has witnessed the
flight of the first human ever to fly on his own.
A light house, a defense tower, an asylum for the Christian war captives, an observatory, and a
launching platform of the first human ever to fly on his own! This tower has been an ever-changing
mystery since it was built in 528 and a landmark of Istanbul!
