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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Saray) |
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The Basilica Cistern, also known as the “underground palace” (Yerebatan Saray), is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. Located southwest of Hagia Sophia, this covered subterranean reservoir once held 78,000 m3 of water. Originally built under the no longer extant Stoa Basilica, the present structure of the eponymous cistern was rebuilt in the 6th century. It remains one of the most important and oldest public spaces in the city. |
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Byzantine and Ottoman architecture: convergence and divergence |
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Byzantine scholars and nobles in Constaninople after the Ottoman conquest |
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Byzantine Sources on Constantinople |
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Constantinople was founded by Constantine I in 324, on the location of Byzantium, the ancient colony of Megara. As the capital of the Byzantine Empire until 1453, the city became the symbol of Byzantine identity and survival. Primary sources provide written evidence on how and to what extent Byzantine authors wrote descriptions of Constantinople and were interested in detailed accounts of the city. Presenting the main sources in a chronological as well as in a thematic way emphasizes the... |
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According to the most valid foundation myth, Byzantium was a Megaric colony, founded by Byzas. Built on the site where Bosporus opens up to the Sea of Marmaras, it combined a unique strategic location with a very fertile inland. The control of the Bosporus was the decisive element which marked its further history. |
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Mythological hero, son of king Nisos of Megara. According to the oral tradition, he was the founder of Byzantium, on the mouth of the Bosporos. The foundation of the city by the Megarians was part of the general framework of the Second Greek colonization, which took place between the 8th and the 6th century B.C. |
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Varangians in Constantinople |
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Initially the term “Varangians” denoted Scandinavian and Slav mercenary soldiers arriving at Byzantium through the territories of the Kievan Rus’. From the end of the eleventh century the majority of Varangians were of Anglo-Saxon descent. Varangians participated in numerous campaigns and distinguished themselves as part of the Byzantine emperors’ bodyguard. In the sources they are often described as “axe-bearing”, because of their armament, and “Tauroscythians” or “Celts”, due to their... |
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Венецианци в Константинопол |
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Венецианци присъстват в Константинопол повече от хиляда години - от VІІІ до ХVІІІ век. Независимо от смяната на империите - Византия и след това Османската държава, венецианският квартал в Константинопол е средище на търговския обмен между Изтока и Запада, осъществяван от венецианските търговци. Венецианският баило е представител на Републиката, защитаващ интересите на нейните поданици и се явява първият в световната история постоянен посланик |
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