Entry Restrictions at the Golden Gate
In the tradition of the old Roman Empire, only emperors were allowed to pass through the Golden Gate during triumphal celebrations. Even the most...
Sir Thomas Roe’s Attempt to Take the Golden Gate Statues
In May 1625, Sir Thomas Roe, the English ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, wrote about his difficult mission: to try and obtain four ancient...
The Golden Gate and Imperial Ceremonies
In the time of the Byzantine Empire, the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) was more than just a part of the city walls. It was...
The Golden Age of Calligraphy
17th Century Marvels
In the 17th century, calligraphy reached its zenith, not only elevating Ottoman art but also permeating beyond palace confines to cultivate aesthetic...
Calligraphy The Dance of Pen and Ink
Calligraphy The Dance of Pen and Ink
In a historical encounter, Sheikh Hamdullah meets Beyazid II, then the governor of Amasya, and is tasked with...
Enchanting Sanliurfa
City of Inns and Markets
Sanliurfa holds the distinction of being the Turkish city with the highest number of inns and covered markets, known for...
Mihrimah Mosque
Mimar Sinan built this extremely beautiful mosque on the highest point of the city for Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleyman the Magnificent in...
Wood workmanship Byzantium
The wooden workmanship at the Byzantium
The centers of the Byzantine wooden workmanship which is not widely known are Istanbul, Antakya and Iskenderiye.
Today, there are...
Byzantine calendar
After the adoption of Christianity, the Byzantine calendar “since the creation of the world” was implemented. As is known, that calendar sets the Beginning...
The Topkapi Palace
The famous Ottoman historian Evliya Celebi describes the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) as “the loveliest sultanate palace that human skill could have created. One...
