Istanbul Obelisk

During the Byzantine Period, the three storied monuments in Sultanahmet Square, where a racetrack was built, divided the Hippodrome into two. The racers raced the racetrack seven times and won the team race, which reached the starting point first. These three monuments, which are still standing today, are lined up in the middle area around which the racers turn around.

Obelisk Informations

Obelisk, the most famous among the three storied monuments, was brought from Egypt in 390 and was erected in its present place in full 31 days. Obelisk, BC. Around 1450 Egyptian Pharaoh III. Made for Tutmosis. In other words, one of the oldest works in Istanbul stands.

This work, which witnesses the 3450 years of human history, is quite interesting on the base as well as its own. Byzantine emperor Teodosius I and the people depicted races on one side of the marble pedestal. It is also possible to see how the obeliskin was erected instead of the reliefs on this pedestal.

Snake Column

The Snake Column, which adorns the square, is a talisman brought from the Temple of Delphi in Apollon to protect the city from insect infestation. The three snake heads are broken. The only remaining snakehead is on display at the Istanbul Archeology Museum.

Knitted Obelisk

Knitted Obelisk is located on the south side of Sultanahmet Square next to the Serpentine Column. 32-meter obelisk made of rough cut stone VII. It was built by Konstantinos. The date of construction is not known exactly, but in the 10th century VII. After being repaired by Constantinos, he started to be named after him. It was reported that VII. Konstantinos' grandfather was covered with gilded bronze plates depicting the victories of Basileios I, and there was also a sphere above the obelisk. According to the rumors, however, gilded bronze plates were stolen by the Crusaders during the Fourth Crusade and were melted.

Istanbul Obelisk

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