Column of Constantine — Attraction in Fatih

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...

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...

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...