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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...
The Ottoman Succession Law and the Fate of Royal Brothers
The Mystery of Abdul Aziz's Death
Competing Theories
While the British embassy surgeon officially ruled that Sultan Abdul Aziz committed suicide, many people in the Ottoman...
The Ottoman Succession Crisis
From Abdul Medjid to Abdul Hamid
Introduction to the Imperial Family
The story of how Abdul Hamid II came to power involves a complex series of...
Gemstone Deposits in Turkey
Turkey is home to a rich variety of gemstones, many of which are found in the western and central regions. These deposits are the...
