The column is located in the outer garden of the Topkapi Palace, at the entrance to the Gulhane Park from Sarayburnu. It is the oldest monument in the city that has survived intact from the Roman period. The 15m high monolithic marble column on an elevated base was erected in either the 3rd or the 4th centuries. The Corinthian capital is decorated with a coat of arms depicting eagles. The name derives from the inscription on the column that mentions a victory against the Goths. It is almost hidden by the tall trees surrounding it.

THE COLUMN OF CONSTANTINE (ÇEMBERLİTAŞ)

The column was erected to honor Constantine in 330 AD, when Istanbul was dedicated as the capital of the Roman Empire. It stood in the center of a large oval-shaped square on top of the second hill of Istanbul. This square, surrounded by colonnades, was called the Forum of Constantine. Cemberlitas is also known as the Burnt Column. It was originally higher than it is today and was topped by a statue of Constantine dressed as the sun god. The porphyry blocks of the column were cracked by time and by fire, and have been reinforced with iron hoops.

The marble capital dates to the 12th century, and the stone masonry in the lower section to the 18th century. It is believed that a small chamber under the column housed sacred relics of early Christianity. The course of the avenue that passes by the column has not changed since the time of Constantine.

BEYAZIT SQUARE

This was built in 393 during the reign of Theodosius I as the largest square in the city. There was a gigantic triumphal arch in the center decorated by bronze bull heads, hence the name "Forum Tauri" (Square of Bulls).

A few marble blocks and column fragments have been found from the triumphal arch, which was crowned with the statue of the emperor, but nothing remains from the monumental fountain in the northern part of the square. Water to this, the largest fountain in the city, was supplied by means of the Aqueduct of Valens. To the north, the campus of the University of Istanbul now occupies the ground on which Mehmet the Conqueror built his first palace. The monumental gate of the university and the fire lookout tower in the garden are from the 19th century. The present-day name of the square derives from the Beyazit Mosque, which was built in the 15th century. The mosque, neighboring the always crowded and lively Covered Bazaar, used to have a complex of surrounding buildings, but only the medrese, the baths and some of the shops remain today.

SULEYMANIYE (SÜLEYMANİYE) MOSQUE

 Numerous earthquakes that have shaken Istanbul over the centuries have not caused a single crack in the building. The baroque decorations of the inside of the dome were made in the 19th century. The handmade carpet with a mihrap design covering the floor was placed here in the 1950's. The most attractive features of the interior are the extremely colorful, 16th century original stained glass windows with Turkish motifs in the wall of the mihrap. A very simple balcony for the chanters is situated next to the minber, and the mihrap niche made of marble is decorated with tiles. The sultan's loge is to the left of the mihrab. Verses from the Koran are inscribed on the walls in some of the supreme examples of the Turkish art of calligraphy. Over the entrance and on the sides, there are galleries reserved for women. The brass grill partition to the right of the entrance is a masterpiece of 18th century Turkish metalwork. In the rear courtyard there are the tombs of Siileyman and his beloved wife Roxelane, as well as graves of other prominent people. A small and extremely modest grave is located at one corner of the complex. This is the tomb of the great architect Sinan, who lived to be ninety-nine years old and was for 50 years the extremely esteemed and respected chief architect of the empire. Sinan was a diligent and productive architect who left over four hundred works behind him. He is the most important figure in classical Turkish architecture, of which he was the originator. His apprentices created masterpieces not only in the empire, but also in other Islamic countries.

The largest and most imposing mosque in Istanbul, the city of domes and minarets, is the Suleymaniye. The aesthetic supremacy of its interior and exterior and its perfect proportions have been captivating the visitors for centuries. The Suleymaniye Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. . The 16th century was the golden age of the Ottoman Empire. Suleyman the Magnificent, the longest reigning among the thirty-six Ottoman sultans, ruled for 47 years in this century. The great sultan entrusted the construction of the mosque to bear his name to Sinan, the /. Suleymaniye, southern facade with stained glass windows, and the Friday congregation. grand master of architecture. Sinan completed the mosque and the large complex surrounding it between 1550-1557. The mosque was one of many demonstrations of the genius of Sinan, the father of classical Turkish architecture. The complex surrounding the mosque was composed of schools, a library, baths, public kitchens, caravanserai, a hospital and shops. The beauty of the exterior of the mosque is best appreciated from a distance. This imperial edifice can be seen in all its magnificence from the Galata Tower or the Galata side of the Golden Horn. A huge dome covers the main chamber of the mosque, which has four minarets. The main entrance to the mosque is from an inner courtyard that is surrounded by porticoes and has an ablution fountain in the center. The spaciousness, unity and exquisite decorations add to the imposing view of the interior. The 53 m high central dome with a diameter of 26.50 m rests on four pillars called elephant-feet. All the architectural elements of the interior are in perfect harmony with one another. The static balance of the structure is faultless too.

THE COVERED (GRAND) BAZAAR

 The oldest and largest covered bazaar in the world is situated in the heart of the city. One cannot appreciate this market without visiting it. It resembles a giant labyrinth with approximately sixty lanes and more than three thousand shops.

The bazaar consisted originally of two 15th century buildings with thick walls that were covered with a series of domes. In later centuries the streets around these buildings developed and were covered and new additions were made, turning it into a trading center. In the past each lane was reserved for a different profession and the handicrafts produced here were rigorously controlled.

Business ethics and traditions were strictly adhered to.

All types of jewelry, fabrics, weaponry and antiques were sold by merchants whose expertise in the trade went back for generations. At the end of the last century the bazaar suffered an earthquake and several fires.

Although it was repaired according to its original plan, it lost its former characteristics and deteriorated.

In the old days the tradesmen commanded so much respect and trust that people asked them to safeguard and to invest their money. Today the shops in many lanes have changed character. Trades such as quilt makers, slipper makers and fez makers only remain as street names now.

The so-called main street of the bazaar is lined with jewelry shops, and a side lane opening to this street is allocated to goldsmiths. Prices vary and bargaining is customary in these rather small shops.

Although the bazaar retains its former charm and allure, since the 1970's the modern and large enterprises near the main entrance offer better shopping opportunities for the tourist groups visiting Istanbul.

The covered bazaar is crowded and bustling the whole day. Shop owners insistently invite the visitors to their shops. In the large and comfortable shops at the entrance one can find examples of all the hand-made articles produced in Turkey.

 The handmade carpets and jewelry sold here are the finest examples of traditional Turkish art. Every item on sale carries its tag of authen-ticity and it can be shipped to anywhere in the world.

Along with the carpets and jewelry, these shops offer a wide collection of high-quality Turkish silverware, copper and bronze souvenirs and decorative objects, ceramics, and onyx and leather goods.

The Spice Bazaar is another covered market place on a smaller scale. A small 15th century covered bazaar in Galata is still in use.

DOLMABAHCE PALACE 

The Dolmabahce Palace, a blend of various European architectural styles, was built between 1843-1856 by Karabet Balyan, the court architect of Sultan Abdulmecid. The Ottoman sultans had many palaces in all ages, but the Topkapi was the official residence until the completion of the Dolmabahce Palace.

The three-storied palace built on a symmetrical plan has 285 rooms and 43 halls. There is a 600 m long quay along the sea and two monumental gates, one of them very ornate, on the land side. Well-kept, beautiful gardens surround this seaside palace. In the middle, there is a large ballroom with a ceiling higher than the other sections. The entrance section of the palace was used for the receptions and meetings of the sultan, and the wing behind the ballroom used as the harem section.

The palace has survived intact with its original decorations, furniture, and the silk carpets and curtains. It surpasses all other palaces in the world in wealth and magnificence.

The walls and the ceilings are covered with paintings by the famous artists of the age and decorations made using tons of gold. All the furnishings in the important rooms and halls are in different shades of the same color. The ornate wooden floors have different designs in each room, and they are covered with the famous silk and wool carpets of Hereke, some of the finest examples of Turkish art.

Rare handmade artifacts from Europe and the Far East'decorate every room in the palace. Brilliant crystal chandeliers, candelabras and fireplaces add to the lavish decor.

The ballroom is the largest of its kind in the world. A 4.5 ton colossal crystal chandelier hangs from the 36 m high dome. The hall, which is used for important political meetings,receptions and balls, was previously heated by an oven-like system under the floor. Central heating and electricity were later additions to the palace.

Of the six baths in the palace, the one in the section reserved for men was made of unique and beautifully carved alabaster.

The upper galleries of the ballroom were reserved for orchestras and the diplomatic corps. Long hallways lead to the harem, where the bedrooms of the sultan and the quarters of his mother, other ladies of the court and the servants were located.

An annex in the north was reserved for the crown prince. The entrance to this building is from Beşiktaş and it now serves as the Museum of Fine Arts.

In the Republican era, Atatürk used to reside in this palace when he visited Istanbul. He died here in 1938 and before his body was taken to Ankara, it was laid in state while the public poured in to pay him their last respects.

THE CIRAGAN PALACE

The best sites along the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn had been reserved for the palaces and mansions of the sultans or important personalities. Most of these, however, have disappeared in time. One of these, the large Crragan Palace, burned down in 1910.

The palace, replacing an earlier wooden palace, had been built in 1871 for Sultan Abdula'ziz by court architect Serkis Balyan. The construction took four years and cost four million gold pieces.

The ceilings and the interior partitions were made of wood, the walls were covered by marble. The columns were superior examples of stonemasonry. The palace was lavishly decorated with rare carpets, gilded pieces and furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Like other palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus, the Ciragan had been the venue of various important meetings. Its facades were decorated with colored marbles, it had monumental gates, and it was connected to the Yildiz Palace on the slopes behind it with a bridge.

On the landside it was surrounded by high walls. After remaining in ruins for many years, the palace has been renovated and turned into a 5-star seashore hotel with several new additions.

THE ANATOLIAN FORTRESS

The fortress is situated on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, the sole outlet of the Black Sea, and it was built by Sultan Bayezid in 1390-91. Next to it there is a stream running into the sea.

Together with the Rumeli Fortress on the opposite side, it ensured full control over the traffic in the Bosphorus. This small fortress creates a picturesque scene with the old wooden houses leaning on its walls and its green surroundings. The Kanhca district, a little further up the Bosphorus, is famous for its seaside cafes and yogurt. The Asian towers of the Fatih Bridge rises in this district.

THE RUMELI FORTRESS

Istanbul had been besieged many times before Mehmet the Conqueror took the city in 1453, but it managed to defend itself with the help of the Roman city walls.

During very long sieges, provisions were supplied to the city through sea routes. The Rumeli Fortress was built before the siege in 1453 opposite an earlier Turkish fortress on the other shore to prevent any reinforcements and help to the city from the Black Sea.

The fortress was completed in the amazingly short time of four months in 1452. This largest and strongest fortress of the Middle Ages lost its importance after the fall of the city.

A fine example of classic Turkish military architecture, the fortress adorns the Bosphorus in all its impressiveness.

It was restored in the 1950's and turned into a museum. During the annual Istanbul Festival of Arts, the interior of the fortress is used as an amphitheater. It is best viewed from the Asian shore or from the boats operating on the Bosphorus.

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