Sultanahmet Square (The Hippodrome)
Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydani) earlier known as the ‘Hippodrome of Constantinople’ was the social and the sports hub of Constantinople. Presently, only a few parts of the original structure survive. Another name for this place in the city of Istanbul is ‘Atmeydani’ which means Horse Square in Turkish.
Hippodrome Constantiople Sultanahmet Square Old Istanbul
Coming from the Greek word ‘hippos’ (horse) and ‘dromos (way), it means a place for horse racing which was a favorite pastime in the Roman, Hellenistic and Byzantine period. Apart from horse racing, chariot racing was another favorite pastime of the ancient people.
The place which is now under the shadow of Sultanahmet Mosque was a favorite venue for horse-racing in the Hippodrome during the Byzantine era. Originally built by Septimus Severus, the hippodrome was further expanded by Contantine the Great in 203. According to some historians, the hippodrome had the capacity for thirty thousand spectators, while some claim the sitting capacity to be sixty thousand.
Chariot races were the hot attraction of the hippodrome in the Byzantine and Roman period. Moreover, the place was not just a sports hub but also the central point for all entertainment, cultural and political meetings and events. A number of animal fights were held at this place. However, after the 10th century, the place lost its past glory especially in 1204 when the Latins invaded the city.
The Hippodrome was originally built in U shape while the imperial box was built as a balcony to accommodate the audiences. Atop the roof of the imperial box were four bronze horses. The hippodrome was divided into two parts by a low lying wall which exhibited important monuments brought from various corners of the empire. The place was a venue for races between wealthy chariot drivers till politics intervened with the game resulting in bloody clashes between the members of the races drivers. Hence, this resulted in a number of civil wars within the city including the bloody Nika riots in 532 when nearly 30,000 people lost their lives. Apart from loss of lives, a number of famous historical buildings also got devastated including the Hagia Sophia.
The present ground level is higher by 4 to 5 metres than the original ground level of the Hippodrome. The Sultanahmet Square has three monuments namely the Serpent Column, the Egyptian Obelisk and the Milyonbar (the Walled Obelisk). A number of ceremonies and coronations were held at this place in the Turkish period. Today, it is considered to be a favorite tourist attraction in the city and houses many restaurants and hotels.
At present, the vast Hippodrome is nowhere to be found as just the southern end of this great historical monument survives now. This has been decorated with vaults.
Sultanahmet (Hippodrome) Where History Speaks
The exotic beauty of the place called Sultanahmet is simply unmatched for. The district of Sultanahmet was built by Sultan Ahmet – I who also built the Blue Mosque. The mosque having six minars has world’s oldest monuments, obelisk of the Pharoah Thutmoses III, on its one side and the world’s eighth wonder, Haghia Sophia on its other side.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)--
Also known as Aya Sofya, Haghia Sophia owes its origin to Justinian the Great in 537 AD and was a famous Church. However, later in 1400, it was declared a mosque by Mehmet II. With most intricate engravings, pictures and miniatures inscribed into it and built in just a short span of five years, this 55.6m tall monument truly deserves to be called the eighth wonder of the world.
Sultanahmet Square --
Having all such beautiful world famous monuments and historical places, Sultanahmet, no wonder, is a favorite destination of tourists the world over. The square named Sultanahmet Meydani or the Sultan Ahmet Square, where the beautiful and ancient history makes its beginning, is still having many traces of the Hippodrome that reminiscences the old traditional ceremonies of the period. The Hippodrome symbolizes chariot races and horse races that were the favorite pastimes in the Greek cities under the Byzantine rule.
Obelisk of Theodosius--
The ancient Obelisk of Theodosius in Istanbul was initially built by Pharoah Thutmoses III. However, later on in the fourth century AD, it was re-built by the Theodosius (the Roman emperor) and given a name as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The antique Obelisk is made of red granite. Although, originally it was nearly 30m tall, however, due to damages suffered in transportation and re-erection, it is just 25.6m today. This oldest monument of Istanbul was built for the deity Amon by Thutmoses III in 390 AD. The beautiful and intricate carvings on the monument are expressions of love and gratitude towards the god Amon as it was believed that Amon provided a shield to Thutmoses III against all diseases and disasters.
Serpentine Column-
Serpentine Column happens to be yet another antique monument in the heart of Istanbul which was among several artistic pieces brought by Theodosius the Great from his empire. Also known by the name of Tripod of Plataea, the monument celebrates the glorious win of the Greek emperors over the Persians in the 5th century BC in the Plain of Platea. The partially surviving monument is displayed at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum and also in the British Museum.
Braided Column
Braided Column is the third monument in Sultanahmet that stands tall at 21 meter height. However, the statue with four bronze horses named the quadriga, is now adding beauty to the St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice.
Blue Mosque-
Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii is a huge sized ancient masterpiece built in 1606. Surrounded by a long row of water fountains that lead to the entrance, the building has four grand pillars providing support from inside. The six minarets surrounding the mosque echo the chants of prayers by the worshippers inside.
Some other historic marbles—
You can catch a glimpse of the Yerebatan Cistern, the German Fountain and the Haseki Sultan Hamam which are the jewels of Sultanahmet. And how can one forget to mention the world famous Mosaic Museum that has mosaic floors preserved from the Byzantine palace. You cannot afford to miss the Cistern of ‘A Thousand and One Columns’ or the Binbirdirek and of course, the many other ancient mansions and buildings that make Sultanahmet world famous place.
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque