Saksagan
Repairs Near the Gate of Charisius
Serbian Support
One fragmentary inscription found on a tower between the Gate of Charisius and Tekfur Sarayı likely dates to the reign of John VIII...
Inscriptions from the Final Restoration of the Theodosian Walls
Several inscriptions carved into the towers of the Outer Wall of Constantinople give us important details about the last restoration works carried out during...
Repairs Ordered by Andronicus II in 1317
In the year 1317, general repairs were once again carried out on the Theodosian Walls by Emperor Andronicus II Palaiologos. These restorations were funded...
Strict Palace Security
In addition to the regular guards, one officer sits at each corner of the corridor around the Sultan’s room. From their positions, they can...
The Sultan’s Sleeping Habits
The Sultan sleeps only two or three hours each day. He can only fall asleep when someone is reading to him or when music...
The Sultan’s Wealth and Mental Health
Power, Money, and Madness
The Sultan's Generous Treatment of His Family
Sultan Abdul Hamid II was known for being very generous to his family members. Unlike...
Fascinating Gemstones from Turkey
Tourmaline, Jade, Obsidian, and Oltu Stone
Turkey is known for its rich and diverse gemstone resources. From tourmaline to obsidian, the country offers a wide...
Exploring Turkey’s Beautiful Gemstones
Blue Chalcedony, Agate, and Tourmaline
Turkey is known for its rich natural resources, and one of the country's greatest treasures is its variety of stunning...
Tracking Down Turkey’s Rarest and Most Fascinating Gemstones
The Lasting Charm of Gemstones in Turkey
For more than 5,000 years, gemstones have been treasured in Turkish culture—not just for their beauty, but for...
The Long Journey to the Han
We kept asking, "How much further to the han?" but the answers were never clear. After ten more minutes, we continued walking. Half an...
