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Fortifications Between Porta Phani and Petri Kapoussi
The Structure of the Walls
From the Porta Phani eastwards to Petri Kapoussi, the next city gate, the fortifications of Constantinople formed a particularly interesting...
Gate St. John Forerunner Baptist
Location and Historical Context
In the district known as the Kynegon, there once stood a gate called the Gate of St. John the Forerunner and...
Imperial Gate Kynegos
The “Imperial” Gate at the Eastern End of the Harbour Walls
When discussing the names Basilike Pyle (the Imperial Gate) and the Gate of the...
Communication Between Stories
Stairs or Ladders for Access
Communication between the three stories of the tower was likely maintained by wooden stairs or ladders. In the north-eastern wall...
The Stairway-Turret and Its Purpose
Construction of the Stairway-Turret
The passages that connect the stairway to the chambers in Tower N suggest that the stairway-turret and Tower N were likely...
Later Construction of Wall BB
At a later time, a new wall, labeled BB, was built behind the earlier wall AA. This new wall had strong buttresses, both on...
A Global Contribution to St. Sophia’s Splendor
When St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) was being built, materials for its construction came from all over the world. As was the custom at that...
A Unique Auction Story
A friend of mine shared an interesting story about an auction he attended not long ago, where an English lady was bidding on some...
Bargains During Ramazan A Unique Bazaar Experience
In some parts of the bazaars in Constantinople (now Istanbul), you will find many second-hand dealers. These shops become especially important during Ramazan, the...
General Grant’s Lasting Legacy and the Hidden World of the Ottoman Harem
A Global Icon's Enduring Influence
General Ulysses S. Grant's famous tour around the world after his presidency created an extraordinary and lasting impression on leaders...
