Troy Bridging Reality and Dream
Unlocking Homeric Epics with “Dus ve Gercek Troia”
The world’s most extensive exhibition, “Dus ve Gercek Troia” (Troy, The Reality and The Dream), offers an enriched understanding of Homeric epics, Iliad and Odyssey. These literary masterpieces, born from the artistic legacy of a civilization crafted three millennia ago, come to life within its pages. In this narrative, legendary figures like Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Atatürk converge in Troy, blurring the lines between reality and dream.
Living the 3,000-Year-Old Legend
Troy, both a historical reality and a mythic dream, provides a backdrop for the 3,000-year-old legend. Without the existence of Troy and the Trojan War, the timeless “Iliad and Odyssey” by Homer would not have manifested. This literary monument seamlessly weaves reality and dream, showcasing a profound creative aptitude. Amidst the Troy War, gods and goddesses of the pagan era engaged in acts of eatin
Discovering a Hidden Marvel
The results from seismic research, conducted by the Mine Detection Institute (MTA) and Istanbul Technical University, have revealed that the Underground City is a five-story marvel. Impressively, it connects to a second underground city 130 km eastward through a vestibule. As excavation efforts continue, more hidden places are anticipated to be revealed, leading many to consider this city as the potential “8th wonder of the world.”
Legacy of Loss and Pride in Dulkadirli
“In this region, both the Cappadocian kingdom (332 B.C.–18 A.D.), known as the ‘Country of the Beautiful Horses,’ and the Hittite Empire (1650-1200 B.C.) once held sway Read More about Fatih Atatürk and the Legacy of Troy. Archaeologists have also identified its use as a refuge and defense site by the early Christians. The Dulkadirli Underground City isn’t merely a settlement; it’s believed to be an ̵
Squares and Domes
Now, step outside and ascend from the street you came from. Be mindful that the streets you traversed were a crucial center of Istanbul life thousands of years ago as well. The Byzantine palaces and residences of high-ranking palace officials have always existed in this area, where wealth from around the world congregated. Ascend with the Marmara Sea behind you. Take a moment to breathe near Arasta, at the base of the Byzantine Palace walls. Enter, either for shopping or to enjoy coffee or tea. If it’s summer, refresh yourself with cold drinks.
Afterward, exit and stroll towards Sultanahmet Square. Let yourself be captivated by the splendor of the square where imperial ceremonies were once held. Try to envision the ceremonies in the Byzantine era when Emperor Justinianus rarely appeared in the square, which was once the Hippodrome. Picture Suleiman the Magnificent observing the parade organized in the area known as At Meydani (The Horse Square) during the Ottoman era
Elgihan
Hotels, in the modern sense, began to be constructed in the mid-19th century. With the frequent calls of passenger ships in Istanbul and the establishment of the Sirkeci Train Station, the number of travelers between Istanbul and Europe increased. Many hotels, such as Hotel de Pera, Hotel de France, London Hotel, and Pera Palace, were opened during this period.
Starting from the mid-15th century, although in small numbers, European travelers visiting Istanbul were accommodated in churches, monasteries, and imarethanes (charitable institutions) of large mosques after their journeys lasting months, as there were no accommodation centers in the modern sense. Considering that transportation was only provided overland by horses, we can deduce that the number of those coming to Istanbul from foreign countries was limited.
Atik Ali Pasa Caravansary
In the 16th century, diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and European countries developed, leading to freque
The Caravansary with Three Doors
According to information provided by travelers and ambassadors, Elgihan’s architectural structure, with a courtyard in the middle, is square.
The well located in the middle of the courtyard served as a water source for humans, animals, and the caravansary. The courtyard featured three entrance doors for wagons. The ceilings of the rooms were domed and covered with lead for waterproofing. Although the rooms were not very comfortable, Elgihan also had ten shops located on the street at the caravansary’s entrance. These shops had windows opening to the outside and to the courtyard with a porch.
“Kiyamet-i Surra”
Representatives staying in Istanbul sometimes for months and sometimes for years used this caravansary to meet the Sultan. The lead covering the domes of the caravansary, with a significant place in Istanbul’s cultural history Elgihan, melted due to a fire at Qemberlita§ in 1587, but the caravansary s
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