Why is the name Sultanahmet used ?
Let’s delve into the intriguing origins behind the captivating monikers of Istanbul’s landmarks. Picture the vibrant tapestry of history woven into the very fabric of the city.
First, let’s uncover the mystique behind the Blue Mosque. Its official name may be Sultanahmet Mosque, but why the nickname “Blue Mosque”? Legend has it that the breathtaking interior, adorned with thousands of exquisite blue tiles, earned this architectural marvel its enchanting epithet. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of cerulean hues, each tile whispering stories of centuries past.
But why “Hippodrome” for the bustling square nearby? The answer lies in the ancient Greek tradition of horse racing. In Byzantine times, this vibrant space was the heart of entertainment, where chariots thundered around the track and crowds roared in excitement. It was a place of spectacle and celebration, where the spirit of competition ignited the city.
Fast forward to the Ottoman era, and Sultan I Ahmed decided to leave his mark on this historic ground. Building upon the ruins of a Roman palace, he erected the magnificent Blue Mosque, a testament to the empire’s grandeur and opulence. And so, the square took on a new name, paying homage to the striking beauty of Sultanahmet Mosque and its azure adornments.
Today, as you wander through the storied streets of Istanbul, these names take on new meaning. They’re not just labels but windows into the past, offering glimpses of a bygone era filled with splendor and spectacle. So next time you stroll through the Blue Mosque or stand in the shadow of the Hippodrome, remember the rich tapestry of history that surrounds you, waiting to be discovered.
When was Sultanahmet Square was built?
Travel back in time to the bustling streets of ancient Byzantium, where the echoes of chariots thundering around the Hippodrome still linger in the air. It was Emperor Septimus Severus who first laid the foundations for this grand horse race track in 203 AD, long before the city bore the illustrious names of New Rome or Constantinople.
But it was Constantine the Great who truly transformed Byzantium, declaring it the new capital of the Roman Empire in 324 AD. His vision and investment in the city’s development were so profound that it became synonymous with his own name, Constantinople.
Imagine the splendor of those ancient days, as columns of marble rose skyward, palaces shimmered with opulence, and temples echoed with the prayers of the faithful. At the heart of it all stood the Hippodrome, a colossal arena capable of hosting a hundred thousand spectators, its U-shaped track stretching 450 meters in length and 130 meters in width.
Picture the excitement as chariots thundered down the track, rounding the northern end near the majestic Hagia Sophia before making a daring 180-degree turn at the southern end. Along the way, the grandeur of the race was punctuated by iconic monuments—the towering Obelisk of Thutmose III, the majestic Serpent Column, and the imposing Walled Obelisk—each a testament to the city’s rich history and enduring legacy.
As you stand amidst the remnants of this ancient arena, let your imagination soar back through the annals of time. Feel the pulse of the city, the roar of the crowd, and the thunder of hooves as history unfolds before your very eyes. For in this hallowed ground, the spirit of Byzantium lives on, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to explore its timeless wonders.
What to see in Sultanahmet?
Step into the heart of Sultanahmet Square and behold the ancient marvels that stand as silent sentinels to centuries of history. Three majestic columns rise proudly, each bearing witness to the triumphs and tribulations of bygone eras.
First, let your gaze linger upon the small bronze column, a relic transported from the distant shores of Delphi by none other than Constantine the Great himself in 324 AD. This humble pillar carries with it the echoes of ancient Greece, a testament to the city’s rich tapestry of cultural exchange.
Beside it stands the Serpent Column, its sinuous form a tribute to the valor of the Greeks after their victory against the Persians in 479 BC. Once adorned with golden heads, today only one remains, a solitary sentinel guarding the secrets of the past within the walls of the Archaeology Museum of Istanbul.
Yet the journey through time does not end there. Cast your eyes upon the Obelisk of Thutmose III, a relic hailing from the sun-soaked lands of Egypt. Transported to Constantinople in 390 AD, it stands as a towering symbol of ancient majesty amidst the bustling square.
Finally, behold the Walled Obelisk, its stone core a testament to the resilience of the ages. Built by Constantine Porphyrogenitus and once adorned with gilded bronze plaques, it bore witness to the ravages of time and the plunder of conquerors, yet still stands tall as a testament to the enduring spirit of Sultanahmet Square.
As you stand amidst these timeless monuments, let their stories wash over you, a symphony of triumph and loss, resilience and remembrance. For in Sultanahmet Square, the past is not merely preserved—it is brought to life, a testament to the enduring legacy of those who came before us.
What to see around Sultanahmet?
- Step into the vibrant heart of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square, where the past and present converge in a kaleidoscope of history and culture. Here, amidst the bustling streets, lie some of the city’s most cherished treasures, each one a testament to the rich tapestry of civilizations that have called this place home.
- At the forefront stands the majestic Hagia Sophia, a beacon of Byzantine beauty that has stood the test of time for over 14 centuries. Its ancient walls whisper secrets of empires long gone, drawing visitors from far and wide to marvel at its grandeur.
- Beside it, the Blue Mosque casts its serene silhouette against the sky, its azure minarets reaching towards the heavens in silent prayer. Within its walls, the faithful gather to seek solace and contemplation, while outside, the German Fountain glistens in the sunlight, a testament to the city’s vibrant multicultural heritage.
- But the wonders of Sultanahmet Square are not confined to the surface alone. Beneath the cobblestone streets lie hidden marvels, including the Yerebatan and Binbirdirek cisterns, ancient water reservoirs that once quenched the thirst of a bustling metropolis.
- And if you dare to venture further, you’ll discover the remnants of the ancient hippodrome, its foundations still visible beneath the modern cityscape. As you wander through the park behind Marmara University, you’ll find yourself walking in the footsteps of emperors and charioteers, a living testament to the glory of Rome.
- But perhaps the most poignant reminder of the city’s storied past lies hidden in plain sight—a Roman milestone nestled beneath the tram rails, a silent sentinel marking the paths that once led to the eternal city. For in Sultanahmet Square, every corner tells a story, every stone bears witness to the passage of time. So come, lose yourself in the magic of Istanbul, where the past and present intertwine in a symphony of sights, sounds, and stories waiting to be discovered.
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