Istanbul—formerly known as Constantinople—has long been a focal point of world politics. Recent international conferences held in the city between Russian and Ukrainian delegations serve as a reminder of its enduring geopolitical significance. But Istanbul’s history extends far beyond modern diplomacy—it was the capital of the Roman and later Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire for over a millennium, before becoming the heart of the Ottoman Empire in 1453.
Unfortunately, frequent earthquakes and human intervention have led to the destruction of many ancient buildings from the Byzantine era, making it impossible for us to see them in their original grandeur. However, a collection of dedicated Byzantine websites allows history enthusiasts to embark on a virtual journey through the lost splendour of Constantinople. If you’re as fascinated by the Byzantine Empire as I am, here are some insightful blog articles that delve into its fascinating history.
High Life: Eating Out in Constantinople — The Byzantine Ambassador
Published by distinguished researchers in Byzantine arts and culture, Eating Out in Constantinople takes readers on a culinary exploration of the city’s rich gastronomic history. The article highlights Istanbul’s modern restaurants that continue the culinary traditions inherited from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman eras. One featured dish is meze, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine that has been enjoyed since the days of Byzantium.
The Precious Robe of Our Lady Feast Day — The Byzantine Life
This article, written by Kyleshka, offers intriguing insights into the saint venerated at the Church of Blachernae, a prominent site of Byzantine worship. Blachernae was a district of Constantinople where emperors relocated their main residence during the Komnenian Dynasty.
For non-worshippers or casual visitors, churches in Istanbul are typically closed to the public during prayer times, limiting the opportunity to witness religious practices firsthand. However, The Precious Robe of Our Lady Feast Day provides an in-depth look into Byzantine devotion, covering both the biography of celebrated saints and the sacred chants associated with their veneration.
Daily Life in 12th-Century Constantinople by Pallasweb.com
Bob Atchison presents a concise yet immersive exploration of 12th-century Constantinople. His article spans various aspects of daily life, from the city’s grand architecture—such as Hagia Sophia—to domestic routines, cuisine, and the societal roles of women during this tumultuous century.
With carefully selected images and artwork—some created by Atchison himself—Daily Life in 12th-Century Constantinople serves as a beautifully curated digital guide to the city’s vibrant past.
Constantinople: The Queen of Cities and Its Many Byzantine Secrets by The Byzantium Blogger
This blog focuses on lesser-known Byzantine landmarks and structures still present in modern Istanbul, supported by photographic collages and detailed maps. The article begins with an approximately 500-word historical overview of Constantinople, complemented by a timeline of key events.
For those eager to uncover hidden Byzantine gems in Istanbul, scrolling down reveals an extensive section dedicated to specific historical sites.
Byzantine Constantinople by The Byzantine Legacy
As someone who explored as many Byzantine relics and ruins in Istanbul as possible in 2024, this page was a godsend to me. The author provides a custom Google map marked with icons for notable Byzantine landmarks, making it easy for visitors to navigate the city and learn about each site through internal blog posts with accompanying images.
The map was incredibly user-friendly, allowing me to access vital information on my smartphone during my adventures in Istanbul.
r/Byzantium
This Reddit community serves as a lively forum where Byzantine enthusiasts discuss all things related to the empire. From hypothetical debates and emperor rankings to humorous takes on Byzantine-themed personal care products, the subreddit is a fascinating digital space filled with discussions, historical deep dives, and even the occasional meme.
Constantinople: Capital of the Byzantine Empire and the City of Man’s Desire by Byzantine World
This article offers a concise yet informative introduction to Constantinople’s origins and its transformation into modern-day Istanbul. Featuring a clean and uncluttered WordPress theme, the page provides a seamless reading experience.
For those seeking details on specific Byzantine excavation sites or ruins open to visitors, the article includes well-integrated links to further resources without overwhelming the reader.
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