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Shops and Commerce in Athens
Athens has several fine shops, particularly in the newer parts of the city. These shops are modern and well-stocked, and they can easily compare...
Milk Delivery in Athens
In Athens, both goats and cows are driven into town every morning and milked at the doors of their customers. This is not a...
Farming Near Athens
It is surprising that, despite large areas of unused land, the fields around Athens do not produce enough vegetables to meet local demand. The...
The Confusion Over the Gate’s Name
Historians do not agree about the true name of a certain entrance in the walls of Constantinople. Some believe that this gate is the...
The Golden Gate and the Changing Fortunes of the Byzantine Empire
The Golden Gate of Constantinople played an important role in the city's military and political history. This gate was not only a symbol of...
Ceremonial Uses of the Golden Gate
The Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) of Constantinople was not just a part of the city’s strong fortifications—it also served as the main ceremonial entrance...
Why Buildings in Constantinople Are Poorly Made
There are several reasons, besides the difficult land layout, for why the houses in Constantinople are built cheaply and without much care.
One main reason...
Carrying Loads the Hard Way
In Constantinople, there are only a few carts and many donkeys carrying goods in baskets on their backs. However, heavy cargo such as wood,...
A City Seen from One Spot
From many places in Constantinople, you can see almost the entire city. Few cities in the world offer such a wide view from a...
Reshad Effendi the Imprisoned Heir to the Ottoman Throne
The Next in Line
The Second Brother's Position
Following the Ottoman succession law, Reshad Effendi, who was Sultan Abdul Hamid's second brother, stood as the official...
