Saksagan
The Known Gates of Constantine’s Seaboard Wall
Among the sea-facing gates of Constantine's wall in ancient Constantinople, only one can be identified with certainty: the Gate of St. Emilianus. This gate...
Matching Measurements No Coincidence
The measurements given in the Notitia—an ancient Roman record listing the gates and regions of Constantinople—match exactly what we know from other historical sources...
The Palaia Porta
A True Gate of Constantine’s Wall
There is no doubt that the Palaia Porta—today known as Isa Kapoussi, next to the Isa Kapou Mosque (Isa...
Princess Senieh Sultana and the Liberal Legacy of Mahmoud Pasha
Introduction to Princess Senieh Sultana
The Sultan's Sister
Princess Senieh Sultana was another sister of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, and by the time this article was...
The Ottoman Royal Family
Brothers and Sisters of Sultan Abdul Hamid
The Third Brother Prince Kemal Eddin
Physical and Mental Challenges
Prince Kemal Eddin, the third brother of Sultan Abdul Hamid,...
The Enigma of the Capitol of Constantinople
This article explores the mystery surrounding the Capitol of Constantinople, a monument that symbolized Roman identity and played an important role in the city’s...
Decorative Motifs on Capitals
Some capitals found in Constantinople’s cisterns are decorated with simple but meaningful motifs. These include vine leaves, crosses, or medallions placed within framed moldings....
Corinthian Capitals in Constantinople’s Cisterns
Corinthian capitals are an important architectural feature found in nineteen different cisterns in Constantinople. These capitals show many changes over time, evolving from the...
Constant Watch from Soldiers
Throughout the afternoon, the soldiers kept a constant watch on me. Even though I had four mounted horsemen with me, I was always seen...
Getting the Escort Ready
I sent a message to the Vali, reminding him of his promise to provide me with an escort. I told him that I planned...














