The Two Towers Tower N and Tower S
This section of the ancient walls includes two important towers, known as Tower N and Tower S. These towers, although built close to each...
The Price of Prosperity in Ottoman Europe
Wealth Attracts Trouble
In the Ottoman-controlled provinces of Europe, no man was free to improve his life. Whenever someone saved money or gained property, they...
A Land of Constant Conflict
For many centuries, the territory now known as Bulgaria was fought over again and again. Until the end of the 14th century, Christian kingdoms...
The Great Turk and His Capital
The Lost Provinces
The next conflict in Europe may again take place in the Balkan Peninsula. This region lies south of Austria-Hungary. It is bordered...
Cistern Construction in the Middle and Late Byzantine Periods
Cisterns as a Response to the Decline of Water Supply
During the middle and late Byzantine periods, Constantinople faced a gradual decline in its water...
The Use of Spolia in Byzantine Cisterns
Unfinished and Reused Capitals in Cisterns
In many Byzantine cisterns, archaeologists have discovered a wide range of unfinished column capitals, some damaged and some still...
Reconsidering the Use of Spolia in Byzantine Constantinople
What Is Spolia and Why Was It Used?
In Byzantine Constantinople, the use of spolia—that is, recycled architectural elements from older buildings—became very common. This...
Constant Watch from Soldiers
Throughout the afternoon, the soldiers kept a constant watch on me. Even though I had four mounted horsemen with me, I was always seen...
Getting the Escort Ready
I sent a message to the Vali, reminding him of his promise to provide me with an escort. I told him that I planned...
Trying to Get Horses and Travel Plans
I politely ignored all the advice about returning by train, mentioning that I had heard a lot about the beautiful scenery. Since it would...
