Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.

Istanbul's Historic Treasures: A Journey Through Time #1

The Blue Mosque

Provided by Google

Sultanahmet Square

Igor Kaplan

Ank Kumar

Ilya Malkin

Vedant Chavan

Beem Keeratithananun

Obelisk of Theodosius

Rouslan Valonen (LibertyToursLLC)

recep özdemir

Ni Lao

honey holy land, jericho

German Fountain

Shyam Mohan Peelery

Jacek Maron

shui chin tsai

Georgel

Ahmet Sevilmis

Basilica Cistern

Hagia Irene

Oleg Naumov

Mark Vasquez

Fadzil Hisham

Fethi Ayhanoğlu

Halil Tombak

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Topkapi Palace Museum

Ali KILIÇ

Eugeniu Ceban

Metin GÜLTEKİN

Toprak Akın

Fadoua Ghazou

Galata Tower

Egyptian Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Sultanahmet Square, historically the heart of Constantinople's hippodrome, retains echoes of chariot races and imperial grandeur. The Egyptian obelisk of Theodosius, a pink granite monolith, stands as a silent witness to millennia, its hieroglyphs narrating the victories of Thutmose III. Less known is the story of its arduous journey from Egypt, a feat of engineering that captivated the ancient world. The Serpent Column, originally part of a tripod dedicated to Apollo at Delphi, is another relic, its bronze heads long lost but its twisted form still evocative. The German Fountain, a relatively recent addition gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II, offers a stark contrast in architectural style, a reminder of late 19th-century political alliances. The square's very ground holds secrets, with ongoing archaeological digs constantly unearthing fragments of the past, revealing layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history beneath the bustling present.

Introduction

Sultanahmet Square, known in Byzantine times as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, was the epicenter of civic life, hosting chariot races and imperial ceremonies. Today, the square showcases remnants of this historical grandeur, most notably the Egyptian Obelisk, a remarkably preserved monument erected by Theodosius I in the 4th century AD. This obelisk, covered in hieroglyphics, stands as a testament to Roman engineering and power.

Another significant monument is the Serpent Column, a bronze column originating from Delphi, Greece. Its intertwined serpents once symbolized victory and unity. The Walled Hippodrome Remnants offer glimpses into the vast structure that once dominated the area, allowing visitors to trace the outlines of the ancient arena. The German Fountain, an ornate neo-Byzantine structure gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II, adds a later layer of architectural significance to the square.

These monuments, along with the nearby Ibrahim Pasha Palace, now the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, provide a tangible link to Istanbul's Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past. Exploring Sultanahmet Square offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of emperors and citizens who once gathered in this historic space, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts. The square is accessible 24/7, allowing visitors to admire these monuments at any time.

Historical Monuments

Sultanahmet Square, historically known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, stands as a profound testament to Istanbul's Byzantine heritage. Originally constructed as a chariot racing track, it served as the epicenter of social and sporting life in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This square witnessed countless historical events and transformations, marked by the erection of impressive monuments and structures that reflected the empire's power and artistic prowess.

The Obelisk of Theodosius, transported from Egypt during the reign of Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 390 CE, remains a striking feature of the square, its ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs a silent echo of cross-cultural influences during the Byzantine era. The Hippodrome's design and function profoundly influenced the organization of space and monumental arts throughout Europe and the Near East.

Adjacent to Sultanahmet Square lies Hagia Sophia, initially a Justinian church, exemplifies Byzantine architectural and decorative expertise. Later transformed into a mosque, then a museum, and again a mosque, its mosaics and structure reflect the blending of Byzantine and Ottoman elements. The nearby Zeyrek Mosque, formerly the Church of the Pantocrator, further exemplifies the Byzantine architectural legacy within the area. These sites collectively underscore Sultanahmet Square's enduring importance as a repository of Byzantine history and artistic achievement.

Byzantine Heritage

Sultanahmet Square, historically known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, showcases a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architectural influences. Originally constructed in the 3rd century AD by Emperor Septimius Severus and expanded by Constantine the Great, the square’s design facilitated public ceremonies, chariot races, and political gatherings, accommodating up to 100,000 spectators. Architectural remnants include the Obelisk of Theodosius, an Egyptian monument brought to Istanbul, and the Serpent Column, moved from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, each reflecting the engineering and artistic styles of their respective eras.

The German Fountain, commissioned to commemorate Kaiser Wilhelm II's visit in 1898, exemplifies a harmonious fusion of Ottoman and German architectural elements, featuring intricate patterns, arches, and decorative details crafted by German architect Spitta. Adjacent to the square, the Blue Mosque, officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, represents Ottoman architectural grandeur with its six minarets and cascading domes. Its interior is adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles and illuminated by sunlight streaming through 200 stained-glass windows. The nearby Hagia Sophia, originally a Christian cathedral and later converted into a mosque, showcases Byzantine architecture with its massive central dome and intricate mosaics, reflecting both Christian and Islamic artistic traditions. These structures collectively highlight the diverse architectural styles and historical transitions that have shaped Sultanahmet Square.

Architectural Marvels

Sultanahmet Square, known in Ottoman times as the Hippodrome, bears witness to the empire's transformative impact on Constantinople. Following the Ottoman conquest, the square, once the heart of Byzantine chariot races and imperial celebrations, gradually evolved, reflecting Ottoman architectural and cultural aesthetics. While the Ottomans did not construct extensively within the square itself, their influence is palpable in the surrounding monuments that define its character.

The most prominent example is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque, an iconic Ottoman structure that flanks the square. Its imposing presence and distinctive six minarets dramatically altered the skyline and the square's ambiance, symbolizing Ottoman power and piety. The mosque's construction in the early 17th century marked a shift in the square's function, transitioning from a primarily secular space to one dominated by religious architecture.

Furthermore, Ottoman landscaping and urban planning subtly reshaped the area around the Hippodrome. Though the original Byzantine monuments, such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, were preserved, the Ottomans integrated them into a new urban context. Ottoman fountains and smaller structures were added, contributing to the square's evolving identity.

The square also served as a venue for Ottoman ceremonies and celebrations, though not as frequently as during the Byzantine era. Public executions and military parades were occasionally held, underscoring Ottoman authority. Today, Sultanahmet Square stands as a testament to the layered history of Istanbul, where the echoes of Byzantine grandeur mingle with the tangible legacy of Ottoman rule, creating a unique and historically rich urban space.

Ottoman Influences

Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey, occupies the historical site of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the sporting and social epicenter of the Byzantine Empire. The term hippodrome originates from the Greek words for horse and path, explaining why it is also known as Horse Square in Turkish. This arena was not only a venue for chariot races but also a focal point for political events, public gatherings, and ceremonies.

Originally constructed when the city was still Byzantium, the Hippodrome was significantly expanded by Emperor Constantine the Great after he established Constantinople as the new Roman capital. The structure was approximately 450 meters long and 130 meters wide, capable of hosting around 100,000 spectators. The emperor's lodge, or Kathisma, had direct access to the Great Palace. The spina, the racecourse's central barrier, was adorned with monuments, including a monolithic obelisk.

Today, Sultanahmet Square retains the original ground plan and dimensions of the ancient Hippodrome. Among the notable landmarks still visible are the Serpent Column from Delphi and the Obelisk of Theodosius, which Emperor Theodosius I brought from Egypt. Although the Ottomans used the area as a square, constructing the İbrahim Paşa Palace and Blue Mosque impacted the original structure. The Hippodrome's legacy is also marked by the Nika Riots of 532 CE, during which Emperor Justinian I ordered the killing of 30,000 people within its confines.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Sultanahmet Square

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