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The Bazaars of Stamboul A Truly Turkish Experience
One of the most fascinating places in Constantinople (now Istanbul) is the bazaars of Stamboul, the old city. These marketplaces are uniquely Turkish and...
The Guilds of Constantinople A Living Tradition
In Constantinople (now Istanbul), many tradesmen and craftsmen still belong to traditional guilds. These guilds were once common all over Europe but disappeared in...
The Historic Khans of Constantinople
In old Constantinople (now Istanbul), there were around 180 khans — large, stone buildings designed to house traveling merchants. These structures are usually two...
Identifying the Gate of Melantiados
There is good reason to believe that the gate known as Porta Melantiados (Πόρτα Μελαντιάδος) or Pyle Melandesia (Πύλη Μελανδεσίας) is the same as...
Gate of Selivria
The Gate of Selivria (Selivri Kapısı) and Its Historical Importance
The next major public gate in the Theodosian Walls is known today as Selivri Kapısı....
Gates in the Theodosian Walls
The Second Military Gate
The Theodosian Walls of Constantinople were one of the greatest defense systems of the ancient world. These walls had several gates,...
European Influence in the Ottoman Imperial Harem
Introduction to Cultural Change
By the late 19th century, the Ottoman Imperial Harem had undergone dramatic changes from its traditional roots. What was once a...
Life of the Sultanas
Women in the Ottoman Imperial Harem
What Were Sultanas?
The women who lived in the Ottoman Imperial Harem were called sultanas. This title applied to all...
The Ottoman Imperial Harem
A Historical Institution
Introduction to the Imperial Harem System
The Ottoman Imperial Harem was a complex institution that served as both the private quarters of the...
Discovering Turkey’s Unique Gemstones
Turkey is home to a variety of rare and beautiful gemstones, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. These stones are...
