TURKEY ISTANBUL - ENVIRONS OF THE HIPPODROME

ENVIRONS OF THE HIPPODROME

As the environs of the Hippodrome were the earliest settlement areas of the city, the earliest monuments of Istanbul are situated here. As this area was also at the heart of Ottoman government, many important buildings were constructed here.

In the hierarchy of the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Vizier was the person next to the Sultan, so their mansion houses were built close to Topkapi Palace, where state affairs were discussed and settled. Ibrahim Pasha was the vizier and son in law of Sultan Suleyman the magnificent and his palace was built near the Hippodrome.This building serves as the MUSEUM OF TURKISH AND ISLAMIC ARTS, on the edge of the square. The museum exhibits valuable Seljuk and Ottoman carpets and other artefacts covering a long period of history ranging back to the 7^th century .We recommend visitors to spare time for the museum since the production of knotted carpets was one of the most important artistic activities of the Islamic countries.

BINBIRDIREK SARNICI (CISTERN OF PHILOXENOS) is another monumental building that can be visited on the same site.This was the second largest cistern of Istanbul after Yerebatan.As the Ottomans preferred running instead of still water it fell into disuse and was even forgotten for a long period of time. Its construction started in the 4^th century and it had 264 columns supporting the vaults.

 At present, it hosts occasional artistic exhibitions. One of the most important buildings around the Hippodrome was the Buyuk Saray ( Great Palace), which was the first imperial palace of Istanbul and famous for its mosaics; in that sense it resembles the Ottoman Topkapi Palace. Both of them were set upon the land extending to the sea shore and enlarged with additional buildings over time, The Buyuk Saray was first occupied in the 4^th century and stayed in service until 10^th century through extensions, though it gradually lost its prominence. From the 11^th century the favourite palace of the Byzannntine emperors became the Tekfur Sarayi (Palace of the Porphyrogenitus), which is situated in present day Faith District near the city walls. It is quite well preserved.

By contrast, the Buyuk Saray, which was situated on the land between the Hippodrome and the shores of the sea of marmara , did not fare well and today there are only a few remainders of its past glory. The most important survival is the mosaic floor, which was probably part of a grand hall or a courtyard. 

The mosaics are believed to date from the period between 450 and 550 and are considered to be one of the finest examples of early Byzantine art. They depict a wide spectrum of scenes including realistic portrays of daily life including humans and animals in their natural settings as well as mystical creatures, and children’s playing and games . These unique artefacts can be seen in the Museum of Mosaics of the Great Palace in the Arasta Bazaar situated on the seaward side of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Some surviving parts of Buyuk Saray can be seen at the Catladikapi (Bull and Lion Gate) where the sea walls end. The area used to be the summer palace of the Byantine emperors. Built in 842, the palace was also known as Bucaleon or Hormisdas Palace. Today the cellars, gate and marbles jambs can be seen.

The building known today as the Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque was formerly the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus. To get there, after leaving the Museum of Mosaics of the great palace, follow the Kucuk Ayasofya Street; the church is not far from the palace.Emperor Justinian also made great efforts to enrich the beauty of the city. And this building, constructed between 526 and 530, was commissioned by him in memory of these both saints after a dream he had seen. The capitals and entablature with inscriptions surrounding the building are from the original 6^th century building and are fine examples of early Byzantine art.

The route can be completed by a visit to the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, which was one of the greatest works of Mimar Sinan and famous for its tile decorations. The route returns to Sultanahmet Square and lets you to take in the mesmerizing atmosphere.