It is seen that efforts of making city beautiful of the
emperors after Great Constantine is continuing. First
churches within the city are constructed after Constantine.
Istanbul remain the capital city of Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine)
for a long period due to the fall down of West Roman
Empire on 5th century. The city, which is re - constructed
during Byzantium period are re - widened with ramparts.
Today, 6492 m. long magnificent city ramparts are
constructed by Emperor II. Theodosius. In the city, whose
population is exceeding half million on 6th century, one
more golden age is lived under Emperor Justinyen reign.
Famous Hagia Sophia, which remained till today, is the
piece of art of this Emperor. Byzantium Empire and capital
city Istanbul's latter history is full of palace and
church intrigues, Iran and Arab attacks and frequently
changing emperor families' bloody fights.
Latin reign, which is a dark age between 726 - 842, had
begun with the conquer of city by Crusaders on 1204, 4th
Crusade, and city is raided for years till to the all
churches and monasteries as well as monuments. The city,
whose reign is passed to Byzantium again on 1261, did not
gain its former richness again. City is conquered by Turks
on 1453 after a 53 days siege.
Gargantuan canons, used for the first time in the war
history by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, are reasons of surpass of
Istanbul ramparts. Capital city of Ottoman Empire had
moved to this place, population of the city is increased
with the immigrants, imported from various parts of the
country, and public improvement studies of the desert and
demolished city had been commenced. Religious freedom and
social rights are given to the former residents of the
city, and let them to continue their lives. Patriarchate,
which is the head of Christian Orthodox Church, remains
till today due to the rights given by Fatih. Turkish art
stigmatized the city one century after conquer, and domes
and minarets have reigned the panorama of the city.
Beginning from the 16th century, due to being Ottoman
Rulers Caliph at the same time, Istanbul also become the
center of Islamic world.ulers Caliph at the same time,
Istanbul also become the center of Islamic world.
City is fully improved under the reigns of Sultans, and
gain a miracle atmosphere. There are frequent fires, which
demolishes wide areas within the colorful pages of
Istanbul history in this period. Sultan Palace, which is
constructed in former acropolis, is reigning the unique
panorama of Bosporus and Golden Horn. After denser
connections with Western world, beginning from 19th
century, mosques and palaces begun to be constructed to
Bosporus coasts with European architecture style. Lots of
palaces, constructed within a short period of time, are
also the symbols of the falling down period. Istanbul, was
one of the witnesses of another world empire, conclusion
of the I. World War.
While empire is divided, and internal and foreign enemies
were fighting for their shares, a noble commander of the
Turkish army had entered into a struggle for Turkish
nation. This Mustafa Kemal named national hero, after
Independence War exceeding 4 years, republic of Turkey is
established on 1923 by him. Moving the capital city to
Ankara, did not change the importance of Istanbul. This
unique city is continuing to its life with its charming
appearance.
