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Marmora Porta in the Quarter of Eugenius
There is good reason to believe that the Gate of Eugenius was known by more than one name during Byzantine times. Besides its usual...
Cattle Market and Storage Buildings
This area of Constantinople served many practical purposes for the daily life of the city. For a long time, the cattle market was held...
Genoese Charters and the Names of the Gate
In the official charters that defined the rights and privileges of the Genoese colony in Constantinople during the twelfth century, two gates are mentioned....
The Western Spur and Its Ancient Fortifications
Even though the fortifications around the western spur of the Sixth Hill may have a very old origin, it is wrong to think that...
The Religious Sites and Walls at the Sixth Hill
Two important religious sites—the Church of Blachernae and the Church of St. Nicholas—were located at the foot of the western spur of the Sixth...
The Defensive Lines
The Defensive Lines Around the Western Spur of the Sixth Hill
There were three main lines of fortification built around the western spur of the...
Scutari the City Across the Bosphorus
On the opposite side of the Bosphorus from Stamboul lies Scutari, which stands in relation to it much like Jersey City does to New...
The Bosphorus and Its Strategic Role
At the eastern end of the Sea of Marmara lies the Bosphorus Strait. Like the Hellespont (also known as the Dardanelles), the Bosphorus connects...
The Fez Factory in the Village
In a small village near Constantinople, there is a factory where the fezzes worn by Turkish soldiers are made. These traditional red hats are...
Cistern Construction in the Middle and Late Byzantine Periods
Cisterns as a Response to the Decline of Water Supply
During the middle and late Byzantine periods, Constantinople faced a gradual decline in its water...
