Column of Constantine
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Name: Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş) Location: Istanbul, Turkey Rating: ★★★★☆ Review: The Column of Constantine, also known as Çemberlitaş, is one of Istanbul’s most ancient and historically rich monuments. Erected in 330 AD by Emperor Constantine the Great to commemorate the declaration of Byzantium as the new capital of the Roman Empire, this column stands as a testament to the city’s long and storied history. Located in the bustling Çemberlitaş district, the column is an impressive sight, rising approximately 35 meters high. Originally topped with a statue of Constantine himself, the column has endured centuries of wear, earthquakes, and fires. Despite these challenges, it remains a significant historical marker, symbolizing the transformation of Byzantium into Constantinople, and eventually, modern-day Istanbul. The column is constructed from porphyry stone, notable for its deep purple hue, and is segmented by decorative rings. These features, along with its sheer height, make it a striking landmark amidst the city’s more modern buildings. Visitors can appreciate the column’s resilience and the engineering skills of the ancient Romans and Byzantines. One of the advantages of visiting the Column of Constantine is its central location. It is within walking distance of other major attractions such as the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. This makes it an easy addition to any sightseeing itinerary in Istanbul. However, while the column itself is impressive, the immediate surroundings are somewhat lacking in interpretative signage or detailed historical information. Those interested in the full historical context and significance of the column might benefit from reading up beforehand or taking a guided tour. Pros: • Significant historical and cultural landmark • Impressive ancient Roman architecture • Central location with easy access to other major attractions • Symbol of the city’s transformation through various eras Cons: • Limited on-site historical information • Surrounding area can be quite busy and crowded Overall: The Column of Constantine is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those interested in the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s past. Its towering presence and historical importance make it a fascinating stop in the heart of the city. Despite the lack of detailed on-site information, its central location and enduring legacy make it a rewarding experience for visitors.
Erdinc ElhanErdinc Elhan
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The Column of Constantine (Turkish: Çemberlitaş Sütunu, from çemberli 'hooped' and taş 'stone'), also known as the Burnt Stone or the Burnt Pillar,[1] is a Roman monumental column constructed on the orders of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD. It commemorates the declaration of Byzantium (renamed by Constantine as Nova Roma) as the new capital city of the Roman Empire. The column is located on the Street of the Janissaries (Yeniçeriler Caddesi) in the neighborhood (named after the column) of Çemberlitaş, central Istanbul, along the old Road to the Imperial Council (Divan Yolu) between the Hippodrome of Constantinople (now Sultanahmet Square) and the Forum of Theodosius (now Beyazıt Square). The column was dedicated on May 11, 330 AD, with a mix of Christian and pagan ceremonies. In Constantine's day the column was at the center of the Forum of Constantine (today known as Çemberlitaş Square), an oval forum situated outside the city walls in the vicinity of what may have been the west gate of Antoninia. On its erection, the column was 50 meters tall, constructed of several cylindrical porphyry blocks. The exact number of porphyry blocks is disputed, but common figures range from seven, up to as many as eleven. These blocks were surmounted by a statue of Constantine in the figure of Apollo. The orb he carried was said to contain a fragment of the True Cross. At the foot of the column was a sanctuary which contained relics allegedly from the crosses of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus Christ at Calvary, the baskets from the loaves and fishes miracle, an alabaster ointment jar belonging to Mary Magdalene and used by her for anointing the head and feet of Jesus, and the palladium of ancient Rome (a wooden statue of Pallas Athena from Troy). Wikipedia
H KH K
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This 35 m- (115 ft-) high column was constructed in AD 330 as part of the celebrations to inaugurate the new Byzantine capital. It once dominated the magnificent Forum of Constantine. Made of porphyry brought from Heliopolis in Egypt, it was originally surmounted by a Corinthian capital bearing a statue of Emperor Constantine dressed as Apollo. This was brought down in a storm in 1106. Although what is left is relatively unimpressive, it has been carefully preserved. In the year 416 the 10 stone drums making up the column were reinforced with metal rings. These were renewed in 1701 by Sultan Mustafa III, and consequently the column is known as Çemberlitaş (the Hooped Column) in Turkish. In English it is sometimes referred to as the Burned Column because it was damaged by several fires, especially one in 1779 which decimated the Grand Bazaar A variety of fantastical holy relics were supposedly entombed in the base of the column, which has since been encased in stone to strengthen it. These included the axe which Noah used to build the ark, Mary Magdalene’s flask of anointing oil, and remains of the loaves of bread with which Christ fed the multitude. Next to Constantine’s Column, on the corner of Divanyolu Caddesi, stand the Çemberlitaş Baths. This splendid hamam complex was commissioned by Nur Banu, wife of Sultan Selim II, and built in 1584 to a plan by the great Sinan. The original women’s section no longer survives, but the baths still have separate facilities for men and women. The staff are used to foreign visitors, so this is a good place for your first experience of a Turkish bath
JUZER KAPADIAJUZER KAPADIA
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Coloana lui Constantin (sau Coloana lui Constantin cel Mare) este un monument istoric important situat în Istanbul, Turcia, în cartierul Cemberlitaş, aproape de locul unde se întâlnesc principalele artere ale orașului vechi. Este un simbol al istoriei imperiale bizantine și un exemplu remarcabil de arhitectură din perioada antică târzie. Descriere și Istorie: Originea și construcția: Coloana a fost ridicată în anul 330 d.Hr. de împăratul Constantin cel Mare, fondatorul orașului Constantinopol (actualul Istanbul), pentru a marca oficial mutarea capitalei Imperiului Roman de la Roma la Constantinopol. Coloana a fost amplasată în forumul care purta numele său și care a fost un loc central al vieții publice din Constantinopol. Material și design: Inițial, coloana era făcută dintr-un singur bloc mare de marmură, având o înălțime de aproximativ 20 de metri. La început, aceasta a fost încoronată de o statuie a împăratului Constantin, care îl reprezenta pe acesta în picioare, ținând în mâna dreaptă o sabie și cu o coroană pe cap, semnificând victoria și puterea imperială. Statuia a dispărut în secolul al XV-lea, în timpul cuceririi otomane a Constantinopolului. Întreținerea și restaurările: De-a lungul secolelor, coloana a fost expusă la diverse condiții climatice și s-a deteriorat treptat. Totuși, în perioada Otomană, monumentul a fost restaurat de mai multe ori. Astăzi, coloana este vizibilă în centrul cartierului Cemberlitaş, iar în jurul ei se află o piață populară, unde turiștii se opresc adesea pentru a admira monumentul și a înțelege importanța sa istorică. Legende și semnificație: Coloana lui Constantin are și o semnificație simbolică importantă. Ea reprezenta puterea și gloria Imperiului Roman, dar și începerea unei noi ere pentru Constantinopol, care urma să devină capitala Imperiului Bizantin și să fie un centru cultural și religios major timp de aproape 1.000 de ani. Starea actuală: Astăzi, coloana nu mai este în forma sa originală, din cauza uzurii și a distrugerilor suferite de-a lungul timpului. În prezent, un cerc metalic înconjoară baza coloanei, care este vizibilă și accesibilă publicului. Există o inscripție pe coloana de marmură, care face referire la Constantin cel Mare și la scopul ridicării monumentului. Importanța turistică și culturală: Coloana lui Constantin este un important punct de atracție turistică din Istanbul. Este un simbol al legăturii între epoca romană și cea bizantină, iar vizitatorii pot învăța multe despre istoria și cultura acestei zone fascinante. Zona înconjurătoare este plină de viață, cu piețe, cafenele și magazine, făcând-o un loc atrăgător atât pentru turiști, cât și pentru localnici. În concluzie, Coloana lui Constantin este un simbol al puterii imperiale și un vestigiu important al perioadei romane și bizantine, fiind un obiectiv istoric esențial de vizitat în Istanbul.
Yersinia PestisYersinia Pestis
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Wow! This column is 1700 years old, built by Constantine, several times destroyed by natural disasters. Below some information from Wiki pedia to add some background. The Column of Constantine (Turkish: Çemberlitaş Sütunu, from çemberli 'hooped' and taş 'stone'), also known as the Burnt Stone or the Burnt Pillar,[1] is a Roman monumental column constructed on the orders of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD. It commemorates the declaration of Byzantium (renamed by Constantine as Nova Roma) as the new capital city of the Roman Empire. The Column of Constantine is one of the most important examples of Roman art in Istanbul. The column is 35 metres high. Restoration work has been under way since 1955. Cracks in the porphyry were filled and metal brackets renewed in 1972. Since 1985, the monuments of the historic peninsula of Istanbul, including the column, have been listed as a World Heritage Site.
Matt H (Matt)Matt H (Matt)
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Column of Constantine is the oldest monument dedicated to Roman Emperor Constantine I (272-337), aka Constantine the Great. There was statue of Roman Emperor Constantine I atop of the column. Constantine was shown as Apollo in golden wreath. The gale destroyed three upper sections of the column in 1106. Byzantine Emperor Manuel Comnenos (1118-1180) restored the column of Constantine and installed the golden cross instead of the statue. This cross was stolen by the Latin Crusaders in 1204 during the 4th Crusade when they captured and plundered Constantinople. Ottomans restored the column in 1515 and put metal hoops in order to reinforce it. Column originally was at the forum of Constantine, now Chemberlitash. Chemberly is hooped, and tash is stone in Turkish. Istanbul, 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇹🇷. October 27, 2024.
Oleg NaumovOleg Naumov
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Nearby Attractions Of Column of Constantine
Egyptian Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Hagia Sophia
The Blue Mosque
Basilica Cistern
Sultanahmet Square
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Nuruosmaniye Mosque

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Nearby Restaurants Of Column of Constantine
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Basic Info
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Molla Fenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:16 D:18, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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teknomers.com
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Description
The Column of Constantine is a monumental column built for Roman emperor Constantine the Great to commemorate the dedication of Constantinople on 11 May 330 AD. Built c. 328 AD, it is the oldest Constantinian monument to survive in Istanbul and stood in the centre of the Forum of Constantine.
attractions: Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square, Beyazit Square, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Yeni Cami Mosque, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, restaurants: Hafiz Mustafa 1864, Hafız Mustafa 1864 Beyazıt, Hafiz Mustafa 1864 Eminönü, Hanzade Terrace Restaurant, Turgut Kebab Restaurant -Sultanahmet-, Garden 1897 Restaurant, Hafız Mustafa, Hidden Garden, Seven Hills Restaurant, Fish Home Ahhir Kapi Restaurant

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