The Divanyolu at Sultanahmet – Hallmark of the Istanbul
Istanbul old city map
Divanyolu (Court Road) has been known to be the pulse of Istanbul for several centuries and was also popular by the name – the Mese- during the Byzantine period. Although, its boundary is not as wide as it used to be during the ancient times, however, it strongly retains several elements of its character even at the present times.
The fact that the Divanyolu was a place full of danger during the earlier times is well proved by Seyh Galib, a famous poet of the Ottoman Turkish literature, in his poem titled ’Husn u Ask’(meaning Beauty and Love). Galib says that the path in his verse is not smooth-sailing but full of dangers as was the case with the Divanyolu.
The Young Turks found the roads and streets of the Divanyolu to be qu
ite narrow and saddening, especially when compared with the big and broad boulevards of several European cities. Hence, they went forward to extend the width of this avenue but did not follow any planning while doing so. The result was a ruthless widening of this city of Turkey. But, despite of it being poorly planned city, it was regarded to be the widest avenue of Istanbul till the 18th century.
The Divanyolu is marked with a number of imperial palaces, mosques, madrasas, mansions of the famous, hans, fountains, baths and coffeehouses in its map. This avenue is a busy thoroughfare full of colorful life and hustle and bustle of the people living there. It has been a witness to not just official functions and ceremonies but a large number of events of special importance including festivals, weddings, feasts and parades that cover every single aspect of the Ottoman life.
The Divanyolu- A vital organ of Istanbul
The Mese (as it was commonly called in the Byzantine period) that extended from the famous Hagia Sophia square to include Edirnekapi in its sphere was named the Divanyolu. And the reason for it being given the name- the Divanyolu- was simple, that is, because a large number of members of the Divan-i-Humayun (the high court) followed this road every Tuesday while going to the Topkapi Palace. The Divan-i-Humayun was held after the morning prayers at the Topkapi Palace on Tuesdays. So, the Divanyolu became to be the vital artery of Istanbul since its origin.
The fact is that this importance of Divanyolu continued to reign supreme even in the Turkish era. However, it certainly has undergone a noticeable change in the present times. And while wading through the streets of this avenue, you will be greeted by lanes of different sizes, some narrow, some wide and some of the narrow lanes or streets becoming suddenly wide giving you a glimpse of a poor or total lack of planning by the young Turks while trying to make it a wide avenue.
The famous Divanyolu witnessed devastation of several of its buildings during a conflagration in the year 1865. And this opportunity to redesign this avenue was immediately seized upon by Kececizade Fuad Pasa, a renowned statesman of the times. He leveled several famous buildings and destroyed many others to make the streets wide.
Janissaries’ cries
The Divanyolu went through several reconstruction projects which denied it of its historical hallmarks in subsequent periods. One such reconstruction project took place in 1934, the year when the City Report was made. This resulted in renaming of the road from Atik Ali Pasa Mosque till Beyazit Square as Yeniceriler Caddesi (Avenue of the Janissaries).
Although, this new name did neither enter in the official records nor was mentioned in the street signs. However, you must be aware of an important link that exists between the Divanyolu and the Janissaries. The cries of the Janissaries can be heard quite clearly when you come close to the walls of any of the old buildings of this avenue. These cries of the Janissaries were their expression to air their grievances while marching from the famous Hippodrome to the Sultanahmet.
Even after going through numerous episodes of natural and man-made disasters as well as reconstructions including earthquakes, fires and uprisings, the fact is that in terms of historical importance, the Divanyolu still is regarded to be one of the riches areas of Istanbul.
Beginning point of all roads
While taking a stroll from the famous Hagia Sophia to the Beyazit, you will reach the Million Column, known during the Byzantine Era to be the beginning point of not just the Divanyolu but of various roads. And the next destinations that you will reach on your way will be the Water Tower followed by the Besir Aga Mosque. Of course, your next destination ought to be two mad Judas trees in a place which looks like a small park with a pool.
For those of you feeling hungry while walking, no need to despair because the historic Sultanahmet Koftecisi just on your right side will offer you an inviting and mouth watering meal of Turkish kofte (meatballs) served with garnishing of onion salad. And, you will also relish eating semolina halvah here to satiate your sweet taste buds. Once having your full with eating; now you can head for your next destination which lies just adjacent to the place where you had your sumptuous lunch.
It is the Cevri Kalfa Primary School which was commissioned for a female slave by Sultan Mahmud II who had saved the Sultan from the claws of death. Just a short distance away on the opposite side is the first mosque made by Turks in the city of Istanbul called the Firuzaga Mosque. Although this mosque, built in 1491 on the Mese, is quite small in size, however, still, it happens to be one of the finest examples of classical proportion successfully symbolizing the aesthetics of the urbanites and the beginning of new era.
When turning to the right, the next destination that lies not far away happens to be Hoca Rustem Sokak. This street has a famous work by Mimar Sinan (an architect of the Ottoman times), the Madrasa of White Eunuch Mehmed Aga. And as you continue move on a further few steps towards the right, you will be greeted by an Ottoman ‘pantheon’. This happens to be walled space that is surrounded by a school building, a fountain, a public drinking fountain and a mausoleum (built for Mahmud II). This famous mausoleum was made by an architect Sarkis Amira Balyan and marked the starting of modern era on the avenue of Divanyolu. Another famous building that lies next on the same street happens to be the Darulfunun (university) built in 1860s although it is another fact that it was seldom used as a university and more used for other means. At present, it functions as the Museum of the Press.
New names---
The mausoleum which once had a small yet an elegant mosque, a huge han and the Koprulu Library in its neighborhood, now only has the library as the other two have been replaced by concrete buildings.
Another exquisite and distinct classical piece of architecture from the hands of Mimar Sinan happens to be the Cemberlitas Bath that is just adjacent to the Museum of the Press. This bath is indeed a beautiful example of the typical hamam architecture and now resembles a bird as it was deprived of its cooling section during the widening of the street that took place in the year 1865. A part of the Koprulu Library was also demolished in the same year to make the street wide.
At the intersection of the Babiali Caddesi, the Divanyolu assumes a new name of Klodfarer Caddesi which it got from the works of the two famous French writers, namely Claude Farrere and Pierre Loti. These French writers made the Divanyolu avenue immortal through their works. Pierre Loti was a friend of the Turks and his house can be still be seen in the avenue of the Divanyolu.
Moving on, your next destination ought to be the Forum of Constantine, which is regarded as the most popular square of Byzantium. Constantine, the founder of the city, erected a column in the Ottoman period named Tavukpazari (Chicken Market). However, falling prey to natural calamities like earthquakes and fire, this column has been provided support with iron hoops, hence, it is known by the new name ‘hooped column’.
Earlier in the Ottoman times, a big double-storeyed han that was the residence of envoys to the Ottoman capital was located just opposite this column. However, the fire of 1865 rendered severe damage to this han which became a part of the mosque of the Atik Ali Pasa.
Turning towards the right, we meet Corlulu madrasa and the Sinan Pasa madrasa at Carsikapi. Nearly all the madrasas on the Divanyolu function as charitable foundations to preserve the Ottoman-Turkish culture.
To conclude, we can say that with its busy streets, colorful crowd and historic structures, the Divanyolu is, indeed, the heart of Istanbul.
The Ambassador Hotel in Sultanahmet Istanbul
The Ambassador Hotel in Istanbul is located in the heart of the Sultanahmet square in the neighborhood of Hippodrome and Divanyolu. This charming hotel was built nearly 150 years ago and the last renovation work of this hotel was undertaken way back in 1998. Its quiet location makes it a perfect place for unwinding in a calm and comforting atmosphere. It is a distinctive hotel that draws its inspiration from the surrounding monuments in Istanbul and holds the distinction of winning awards for its offbeat services.
Ambassador Hotel in Sultanahmet Istanbul
The rich and colorful atmosphere of Sultanahmet has been very beautifully and aptly translated into the tastefully decorated interiors of the hotel. It is a best place for staying as one can catch breathtaking views of several famous monuments of Istanbul including the Bosphorus, the Blue Mosque,Hagia Sophia ( Aya Sofia), Topkapi Palace, the Princes Islands and a few others from the rooftop terrace of the hotel.
The ambience of the Ambassador Hotel is modern and inviting, typical of Istanbul’s character of hospitality. The hotel has been designed and equipped with all the modern facilities of the international standards to give a comforting and memorable experience to any business traveler.
It has been equipped with various facilities for complete rejuvenation of your mind and body. You can distress yourself by getting a message from any of the certified masseurs of the hotel. Enjoy the warmth and fulfilling experience of a sauna and a Turkish bath in the hotel. Also, you can keep your body slim and trim at the fitness center in the hotel which is open 24 hours.
This First Class Boutique Hotel has twenty rooms and two junior suites to provide complete luxury and comfort to all its visitors. All rooms are air-conditioned and fully furnished with facilities including satellite TV, mini bar, wireless internet connection, personal safe deposit, direct dial phone etc.
The lobby of the hotel is spacious and has a small but a nice bar that has seating arrangements for guests. Smoking is completely prohibited in keeping with the new no-smoking laws of the country. However, for smokers, there are some smoking floors and the terrace where they can puff away.
The Ambassador Hotel has a friendly and very helpful hotel staff that will offers warm welcome and best hospitality to make your trip worth remembering. The dining room and terrace of the hotel provides panorama view of the cities most famous monuments. The impeccable service from the multilingual staff and the tasty delights by Executive Chef are an offbeat experience. Also, you can enjoy an after-dinner drink at the Terrace Bar Pub of the restaurant.
The Ambassador Hotel is usually fully booked most of the time. So, if you want to book a room for yourself, you must make arrangements for advance booking to avoid disappointment. The hotel provides facility of making reservations online.
The Ambassador Hotel is not just any other hotel; it is an experience not to be missed if you want to make your visit to Turkey a memorable one.
The Historical Importance of Firuzaga Mosque
Firuzaga Mosque in Sultanahmet Istanbul
For having so many mosques in its map, Istanbul, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is very aptly called the city of mosques. And Firuzaga mosque happens to be one of the famous mosques of Istanbul of the Ottoman era. Firuz Aga Camii is located on Divanyolu, the main street overshadowed by the long queue of trees. It was build by the head treasurer of Sultan Beyazit II, Firuz Aga in 1491.
Unlike other mosques, Firuzaga Mosque has the minaret placed to the left side of the wall while usually, minarets had to be on the right side on the wall. Although, the exact reason behind the minaret being placed on the left is still unknown, there are a number of stories relating different reasons for this.
This mosque was built during the first few years after Sultan Mehmet II conquered Constantinople. The mosque was located in the neighborhood of Sultanahmet which was considered to be the heart of Constantinople. Nearly 80 percent population living in the area was Greeks. The reason why the minaret of the mosque was built on the left of the wall was that the majority of Greek population living near the mosque should not get disturbed with sound of the prayer.
However, according to another account, the Firuzaga Mosque had been built to excel the first mosque built in Mecca by the Muslims. According to Dogan Kuban, a professor of art history, the common tradition during the 14th century and a few years later was that minarets should be located on the left side of the mosques. It was only during some what later that the tradition to place the minarets on the right side became common.
History of the Firuzaga Mosque---
The Firuzaga Mosque has an interesting history to boast about. The Sultan Ahmet used to go for various expeditions accompanies by the treasurer of the Ottoman Palace. One of the main duties of the treasurer was placing a prayer rug, known as seccade, to be placed before the beginning of the Friday prayer. Apart from this, the treasurer would always sit on the ground, before the Sultan, to lay his forhead there and ensure that there was no danger to the life of the Sultan.
Beyazid II, the son of Mehmet II, was ascended to the throne after the death of his father. It was only after a gap of 10 long years that Firuz Agha, the treasurer of the period, built a mosque at the entry point of the famous street of the Byzantine Empire. The treasurer died in 1512 and his tomb, having engravings of rose figures on the marble, is located in the yard of the Firuzaga Mosque.
The Firuzaga Mosque, with a square design of 13.5 m by 13.5 m, is built in the Bursa style and has a dome with eight sides. According to a famous story, this mosque was built at a place which was once a famous spot of horse races being watched by the Roman emperors.
Firuzaga Mosque in Sultanahmet Istanbul 2
