Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome)
The deep-rooted history of the ceremonial square, which has survived for centuries, is based on the legendary and long-lasting Eastern Roman and Ottoman history. The Serpent Column here solves many mysteries with its curved structure. However, the centerpiece of the Hippodrome is perhaps the Theodosian Obelisk. Defying the ages, the Hippodrome stands on an ornately carved plinth and is adorned with historical inscriptions. To the south of the hippodrome stands an old brick obelisk, whose gilded façade remains only a shadow of what it is today. The legendary Hippodrome, which also hosts the German Fountain, crowns the glory of Istanbul.
The Old Hippodrome track is now covered by Sultanahmet Square, a large square covered with ancient obelisks.
The Theodosian Obelisk was erected in honor of the sixth Egyptian pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty. It was rebuilt by Theodosius I in the fourth century AD during Roman rule. Made of smooth red granite, the surface of the Obelisk is decorated with ancient Egyptian characters. Between the base and the rest of the structure are four bronze cubes placed at each of the four corners that help support this impressive monument. Carvings from the time of reconstruction were carved into the marble surface of the column base.
The Serpent Column was erected to commemorate those who fought and defeated the Persian Empire in the Battle of Platea in 479 BC. It is one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul. While all three snake heads disappeared around 1700, the only snake head found is safely preserved in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The eight meter high column originally stood in front of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi
Çemberlitaş (Column of Constantine), built in the 3rd century, is one of the most important monuments of Istanbul with a height of 35 meters. Çemberlitaş is a symbolic building that should be seen by those traveling by tram to the Grand Bazaar. Çemberlitaş was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great to celebrate the declaration of Byzantium as the new capital of the Roman Empire. This historical structure, which was actually 50 meters high, was destroyed by a strong storm, earthquake and fire. All that remains is a 35-meter-high structure with black burn marks. For this reason, the structure was named "Burnt Column".
The German Fountain opposite the Sultan Ahmet Tomb is the true symbol of friendship between Turkey and Germany. This octagonal-domed fountain at the entrance of the hippodrome was built by German Emperor II. From Wilhelm to Sultan II. It was gifted to Abdulhamid and Istanbul and was officially opened in 1901. Built in Neo Eastern Roman style, the fountain's architecture, decorated with golden mosaics, is unique. The arches between the columns are a symbol of friendship between the two countries. The location of the fountain also adds to its appeal.
