Historic Guide to Istanbul Photo Friday

A World Winder exclusive by Guest Blogger Nick Gonzales–This is a Photo Friday supplemental feature.  To read Nick’s entire post and historian’s Guide to Istanbul, follow the highlighted link in this sentence.

The Valens Aqueduct, first constructed under Emperor Valens in the 4th century, is still in good condition and today serves an entrance to the “Halic” bridge, which spans the Golden Horn.

Istanbul has entered the international scene as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Rightfully so, it truly is an amazing city: The people are warm and friendly. The food is amazing. The architecture and scenery-unparalleled.

The natural beauty of Istanbul

However, what makes Istanbul truly fascinating to the history teacher in me is its colorful and rich past. The Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and Galata Tower are a few of the more restored monuments that are favorites among tourists and give a glimpse into Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine backgrounds. Every effort should be made to visit them if you plan to visit the city. Many websites in English can give you detailed explanations about them as well as information on Istanbul’s tours.

The tomb or “turbe” of Sultan Mehmet II is a testament to the beauty of Ottoman design and grandeur.

However, there are also incredibly old and historically significant ruins that dot the city, which are barely marked or are unmarked. Hundreds in fact. You’ll find them if you walk or ride around the city long enough.  Though many might be falling apart or may have been replaced with other monuments, they still pack a centuries-old wallop of the ancients. If you want restored presentable beauty, you should definitely visit the museums and popular tourist landmarks of Istanbul.

3 well-preserved arches housing white marble openings show the grandeur of the once great coastal sea palace of 8th century Constantinople.

If you’re willing to use your imagination and feel like hunting history down on your own terms, go on my “Historian’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Walking Tour of Istanbul.”  The tour starts from the Sirkice train station in Sirkice.

The Golden Gate marked Constantinople’s royal entrance and led to a path that would eventually end at the emperor’s palace some miles away. The concrete spheres mark its first few steps.

The Boukoleon fish restaurant sign behind the sea wall is the only visible mark that shows you have indeed reached-the Boukoleon.

Follow Nick’s Historic Walking Tour and discover gems that are way off the tourist trail.

The Golden Gate or “Porto Aura” was first constructed in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine the Great. It has since been reconstructed, rebuilt, and added upon throughout the centuries hence its gate-within-gate appearance.

Nick Gonzales is a world history teacher, E.S.O.L adjunct professor, and curious traveller.  He currently resides in Massachusetts and has lived in California, New York, Turkey, and Japan. You can contact him at ngonzales12@gmail.com. He strongly recommends visiting Byzantium 1200 for viewing historical depictions of the monuments and sights on his Historian’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Walking Tour of Istanbul.