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The End of Exile and the Journey Home
According to Christian tradition, St John’s exile on the island of Patmos ended after the death of the Roman emperor Domitian. Domitian, who ruled...
St John’s Life on Patmos
According to Christian tradition, St John was not kept in chains during his exile on Patmos. Although he had been banished by Roman authority,...
St John at the Latin Gate
A tradition found mainly in Latin Christian sources tells that St John was first taken to Rome as a prisoner by order of the...
Repairs Near the Gate of Charisius
Serbian Support
One fragmentary inscription found on a tower between the Gate of Charisius and Tekfur Sarayı likely dates to the reign of John VIII...
Inscriptions from the Final Restoration of the Theodosian Walls
Several inscriptions carved into the towers of the Outer Wall of Constantinople give us important details about the last restoration works carried out during...
Repairs Ordered by Andronicus II in 1317
In the year 1317, general repairs were once again carried out on the Theodosian Walls by Emperor Andronicus II Palaiologos. These restorations were funded...
A Global Contribution to St. Sophia’s Splendor
When St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) was being built, materials for its construction came from all over the world. As was the custom at that...
A Unique Auction Story
A friend of mine shared an interesting story about an auction he attended not long ago, where an English lady was bidding on some...
Bargains During Ramazan A Unique Bazaar Experience
In some parts of the bazaars in Constantinople (now Istanbul), you will find many second-hand dealers. These shops become especially important during Ramazan, the...
General Grant’s Lasting Legacy and the Hidden World of the Ottoman Harem
A Global Icon's Enduring Influence
General Ulysses S. Grant's famous tour around the world after his presidency created an extraordinary and lasting impression on leaders...
