Saksagan
The Gate Near the Palace of Blachernae
To the north of the second tower in the wall is a gate that matches the Gate of Gyrolimne (Greek: Τάλαί τῆς Γυρολίμνης). This...
The Emperor’s Observation Point
During the siege of Constantinople in 1453, Emperor Constantine XI and the historian George Phrantzes observed the movements of the Turkish army from a...
The Public Gate
Egri Kapou and the Porta Kaligaria
Between the sixth and seventh towers of the Wall of Emperor Manuel Comnenus, there is a gate now called...
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...
European Influence in the Ottoman Imperial Harem
Introduction to Cultural Change
By the late 19th century, the Ottoman Imperial Harem had undergone dramatic changes from its traditional roots. What was once a...
Life of the Sultanas
Women in the Ottoman Imperial Harem
What Were Sultanas?
The women who lived in the Ottoman Imperial Harem were called sultanas. This title applied to all...
The Ottoman Imperial Harem
A Historical Institution
Introduction to the Imperial Harem System
The Ottoman Imperial Harem was a complex institution that served as both the private quarters of the...
The Night of Worry
"Not at all, not at all!" my dragoman said. "I was afraid those Bulgarians might come back and burn down the tower. Let's leave...
