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Walled Obelisk
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The Walled Obelisk or Masonry Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş) is a Roman monument in the form of an obelisk in the former Hippodrome of Constantinople, now Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated west of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, at the southern end of the ancient chariot-racing track of Constantinople's central barrier, beside the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. Its original construction date in late antiquity is unknown, but it is sometimes named Constantine's Obelisk (Konstantin Dikilitaşı) after the inscription added by the Roman emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, who repaired it in the 10th century.
Key Information
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History
[edit]
The 32 m (105 ft)-high obelisk was most likely a Theodosian construction, built to mirror the Obelisk of Theodosius on the spina of the Roman circus of Constantinople; the Circus Maximus in Rome also had two obelisks on its spina.[1]
The 10th-century emperor Constantine VII had the monument restored and coated with plates of gilt bronze; a Greek inscription in iambic trimeter was added at this time.[1] The inscription mentions the repair works carried out by Constantine VII and compares it to the colossus in Rhodes.[2] In addition to this the inscription also mentions the name of his son and successor, Romanos II.[2]
By the 10th and 11th centuries, the obelisk was referred to as the 'tower of brass' in the medieval Arab world, although accounts sometimes confused it with the Obelisk of Theodosius. The late 12th-early 13th-century writer al-Harawi was the source for several Arabic geographers' inclusion of a detail about the monument: the Byzantines put potsherds and nuts amongst the masonry in order to see them crack when strong winds would cause the stones to shift.[3]
At that time, it was decorated with gilded bronze plaques that portrayed the victories of Basil I, the grandfather of Constantine VII.
The obelisk's gilded bronze plaques were removed and melted down by the Fourth Crusaders in 1204.[1]
Since young Janissaries liked to show their prowess by climbing the obelisk, the masonry suffered further damage to its surface.
The Walled Obelisk was depicted on the reverse of the Turkish 500 lira banknotes of 1953–1976.[4]
Inscription
[edit]The inscription in iambic trimeters commemorating the Obelisk's restoration by Constantine VII is as follows:[2]
Τὸ τετρ[άπλευρον] θαῦμα τῶν μεταρσίων
χρόνῳ [φθαρὲν νῦν] Κωνσταντῖνος δεσπότης
οὗ Ῥωμ[αν]ὸς παῖς δόξα τῆς σκηπτουχίας
κρεῖττον νε[ο]υργεῖ [τῆς πά]λαι θεωρίας·
ὁ γὰρ κολοσσὸς θ[άμ]βος ἦν ἐν τῇ Ῥόδῳ
καὶ χαλκὸς οὗτος θάμβος ἐστὶν ἐνθάδε.
Translation:
The four-sided marvel of the uplifted,
wasted by time, now Constantine the Emperor,
whose son is Romanus, the glory of the kingship,
restores better than the ancient spectacle.
For the Colossus was a wonder once in Rhodes,
and this is now a brazen wonder here.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Iversen, Erik (1972). Obelisks in Exile, volume II: The Obelisks of Istanbul and England. Copenhagen: G. E. C. Gad. p. 16-17. ISBN 87-12-35883-5. OCLC 462820.
- ^ a b c "Walled Obelisk". Madain Project. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
- ^ Iversen, Erik (1972). Obelisks in Exile, volume II: The Obelisks of Istanbul and England. Copenhagen: G. E. C. Gad. p. 20. ISBN 87-12-35883-5. OCLC 462820.
- ^ Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Archived 2009-06-15 at the Wayback Machine. Banknote Museum: 5. Emission Group – Five Hundred Turkish Lira – I. Series Archived 2009-02-04 at the Wayback Machine, II. Series Archived 2009-02-04 at the Wayback Machine, III. Series Archived 2009-02-04 at the Wayback Machine & IV. Series Archived 2009-02-04 at the Wayback Machine. – Retrieved on 20 April 2009.
Bibliography
[edit]- Iversen, Erik (1972). Obelisks in Exile, volume II: The Obelisks of Istanbul and England. Copenhagen: G. E. C. Gad. ISBN 87-12-35883-5. OCLC 462820.
- "The Walled Obelisk". Government of Istanbul. Archived from the original on 2006-09-12. Retrieved 2006-09-16.
- "The Walled Obelisk". Hotelle.com. Archived from the original on 2006-09-04. Retrieved 2006-09-16.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Walled Obelisk at Wikimedia Commons
Walled Obelisk
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Location and Description
Site and Context
The Walled Obelisk is situated in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey, where it forms part of the ancient spina, or central barrier, of the former Hippodrome of Constantinople.[1] This location places it at the southern end of the chariot-racing track that once defined the heart of the Byzantine capital.[1] The obelisk stands in close proximity to other surviving monuments from the Hippodrome, including the Obelisk of Theodosius further north along the spina and the Serpent Column nearby, creating a cluster of ancient spolia that highlights the site's layered historical significance.[1][4] Originally constructed as a Roman chariot racing venue, the Hippodrome evolved over centuries into the modern public space of Sultanahmet Square, with much of its original track outline preserved beneath the contemporary park and pedestrian area.[4] In the Ottoman era, the site was known as Atmeydanı ("Horse Square") and repurposed for public gatherings, markets, and imperial ceremonies, with the ground level raised by approximately 5 meters during the construction of the adjacent Sultan Ahmed Mosque in the early 17th century.[4] The surrounding area follows the Hippodrome's approximate dimensions of 450 meters in length and 130 meters in width, underscoring its scale as one of the largest such venues in the ancient world.[5][6] In Byzantine urban planning, the Hippodrome served as a pivotal element in the city's layout, emulating Roman circuses like the Circus Maximus while integrating with the nearby Forum of Constantine and the imperial palace to reinforce the emperor's authority and the empire's Roman heritage.[1] During the Ottoman period, it remained a central node in Istanbul's urban fabric, functioning as an open forum for social, military, and ceremonial activities that connected key landmarks like the Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque.[4]Physical Characteristics
The Walled Obelisk, also known as the Masonry Obelisk, is a freestanding masonry structure standing 32.77 meters tall, constructed primarily from roughly cut limestone blocks bonded together using Horasan mortar, a lime-based mixture traditional in Byzantine architecture.[7][8] This design distinguishes it as a "false obelisk," emulating the form of ancient monolithic Egyptian obelisks through stacked masonry rather than a single carved stone, with a square base measuring approximately 2.63 by 2.55 meters that tapers upward to a slender pyramidal summit of 0.146 by 0.065 meters.[8][7] Originally, the obelisk's exterior was sheathed in gilt bronze plates, providing a metallic gleam that enhanced its resemblance to true obelisks, but these were looted and removed during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, exposing the underlying limestone core to the elements.[9] The structure's overall form mimics traditional obelisks with four gently sloping sides, though its blocky, layered construction is evident in the irregular joints and varying block sizes, contributing to its distinctive "knitted" or walled appearance.[9] At its base, the obelisk rests on a multi-tiered pedestal comprising three stepped platforms of limestone—measuring roughly 4.49 by 4.47 meters, 4.05 by 3.99 meters, and 3.45 by 3.30 meters—crowned by a solid marble block of 3.24 by 3.20 meters, which elevates and stabilizes the main shaft.[7][8] Patches of later masonry repairs are visible along the lower sections and joints, reflecting reinforcements integrated into the original limestone framework to maintain structural integrity over centuries.[9] In its current state, the obelisk remains largely intact within the ruins of the Hippodrome in Istanbul, with the weathered stone surface showing erosion but no major collapses.[7]Historical Development
Origins and Construction
The Walled Obelisk, located at the southern end of the Hippodrome's spina in Constantinople, has an uncertain construction date in late antiquity, possibly in the 4th century under Constantine the Great or during the Theodosian era in the late 4th to early 5th century AD, as part of broader enhancements to the city's imperial monuments.[1][2] This timing aligns with Emperor Theodosius I's (r. 379–395) or Theodosius II's (r. 402–450) efforts to glorify the capital through architectural projects that evoked Roman traditions, including the erection of the nearby Obelisk of Theodosius in 390 AD.[10] Historians debate the exact commissioning ruler due to the absence of definitive contemporary records, with some attributing it to Constantine I (r. 306–337) based on stylistic similarities to early Constantinian works.[2][11] The obelisk's construction employed readily available local limestone blocks, cut into ashlar form and stacked in a pyramidal structure to mimic the monolithic Egyptian obelisks imported to Rome, such as those in the Circus Maximus, without the need for large-scale quarrying.[2][12] This masonry technique, rising to an estimated original height of about 32 meters on a cubic base, allowed for a cost-effective imitation that symbolized imperial power and continuity with classical antiquity.[1] The structure was originally sheathed in gilded bronze plaques, enhancing its visual impact and possibly depicting imperial motifs, though these were later removed.[2][13] Its purpose likely served as a victory monument or dedication to Sol Invictus, the unconquered sun god favored in late Roman imperial cult and associated with military triumphs, reflecting the era's blend of pagan symbolism and Christianizing Roman heritage before Theodosius I's full suppression of paganism in 391 AD.[1] This aligns with the Hippodrome's role as a venue for chariot races and public spectacles, where such monuments reinforced the emperor's divine favor and dynastic legitimacy.[2] The obelisk's form and placement thus contributed to Constantinople's emulation of Rome's urban grandeur, though its precise dedicatory intent remains speculative amid the transition to Christianity.[11] Later Byzantine restorations, such as those in the 10th century, preserved its core but are distinct from its initial Roman-era creation.[2] During the Byzantine period, the monument also functioned as a four-spouted fountain with mosaic basins and lead piping.[2]Byzantine Restorations
In the mid-10th century, during the reign of Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (r. 913–959), the Walled Obelisk underwent a significant restoration around 950 CE to address damage from the ravages of time. This work involved reinforcing the monument's masonry core, constructed from roughly cut limestone ashlar blocks, to ensure structural stability. The emperor's efforts transformed the weathered structure, originally dating to the late Roman or early Byzantine period, into a more enduring feature of the Hippodrome.[1][2] A key aspect of the restoration was the renewal of protective sheathing made from sheets of gilt bronze, which covered the stone surface to shield it from further environmental degradation. Complementing this, gilded bronze plaques were installed on the obelisk, depicting the military victories of Basil I (r. 867–886), Constantine VII's grandfather and founder of the Macedonian dynasty. These plaques not only served a decorative function but also propagandistic, emphasizing the continuity and legitimacy of the ruling imperial line. The base of the obelisk received a new pedestal with three steps, upon which a Greek inscription in iambic trimeter was engraved, proclaiming the monument's revival: "The four-sided marvel of the uplifted, wasted by time, now Constantine the Emperor... restores better than the ancient spectacle," and comparing its renewed splendor to the Colossus of Rhodes.[1][2] The restoration's purpose extended beyond mere preservation; it symbolized the Byzantine Empire's enduring connection to its Roman heritage while reinforcing imperial authority in the ceremonial heart of Constantinople. By emulating the grandeur of ancient Roman obelisks in the Circus Maximus, Constantine VII aimed to bolster the city's Romanitas and the dynasty's prestige amid ongoing challenges. This intervention highlighted advanced Byzantine architectural techniques, blending traditional masonry repairs with innovative metalworking to create a visually striking and symbolically potent landmark.[1][11]Medieval and Ottoman Periods
During the sack of Constantinople by Latin Crusaders in 1204, the Walled Obelisk was targeted for its valuable adornments, with the gilded bronze plaques—added during earlier Byzantine restorations to depict imperial victories—removed and melted down to fund the Crusaders' campaigns.[14] This looting not only deprived the monument of its protective and decorative sheathing but also inflicted initial damage to the underlying limestone masonry as the plaques were pried away.[14] Under Ottoman rule from the 15th to 19th centuries, the obelisk faced additional physical strain when young Janissaries, the sultan's elite infantry, climbed its exposed surfaces to prove their prowess, causing further erosion and surface damage to the now-vulnerable stone core.[1] With the plaques long gone, the structure received scant maintenance, leaving its masonry progressively weathered by exposure to Istanbul's harsh climate and urban activity.[14] Despite these assaults and ongoing neglect, the Walled Obelisk endured as a enduring relic in the transforming cityscape, standing prominently in the repurposed Hippodrome—known as Atmeydanı—where it witnessed Ottoman public executions, festivals, and processions without major intervention or demolition.[14]Inscriptions and Iconography
The Constantine Inscription
The Constantine Inscription is a Greek epigram in iambic trimeter added to the eastern face of the Walled Obelisk's marble pedestal during the reign of Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (913–959 AD), likely around the time his son Romanos II was crowned co-emperor in 945 AD.[1] This six-line inscription commemorates the monument's restoration, emphasizing its renewal under imperial patronage.[15] The original Greek text reads:Τὸ τετρ[άπλευρον] θαῦμα τῶν μεταρσίων
χρόνῳ [φθαρὲν νῦν] Κωνσταντῖνος δεσπότης
οὗ Ῥωμ[αν]ὸς παῖς δόξα τῆς σκηπτουχίας
κρεῖττον νε[ο]υργεῖ [τῆς πά]λαι θεωρίας·
ὁ γὰρ κολοσσὸς θ[άμ]βος ἦν ἐν τῇ Ῥόδῳ
καὶ χαλκὸς οὗτος θάμβος ἐστὶν ἐνθάδε.
Τὸ τετρ[άπλευρον] θαῦμα τῶν μεταρσίων
χρόνῳ [φθαρὲν νῦν] Κωνσταντῖνος δεσπότης
οὗ Ῥωμ[αν]ὸς παῖς δόξα τῆς σκηπτουχίας
κρεῖττον νε[ο]υργεῖ [τῆς πά]λαι θεωρίας·
ὁ γὰρ κολοσσὸς θ[άμ]βος ἦν ἐν τῇ Ῥόδῳ
καὶ χαλκὸς οὗτος θάμβος ἐστὶν ἐνθάδε.
The four-sided marvel of the uplifted,The inscription praises the obelisk's imposing height and durability, likening its restored bronze-sheathed form to the ancient Colossus of Rhodes—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—to underscore its grandeur as a modern marvel.[1] It explicitly names Constantine VII as the restorer ("δεσπότης," or lord/emperor) and highlights Romanos II ("οὗ Ῥωμ[αν]ὸς παῖς," whose son is Romanos) as the embodiment of imperial glory ("δόξα τῆς σκηπτουχίας," glory of the scepter-bearing rule), thereby linking the monument's revival to the legitimacy and continuity of the Macedonian dynasty.[15] Written in the classical poetic meter of iambic trimeter, the text evokes Hellenistic and Roman epigraphic traditions, functioning as imperial propaganda by portraying the emperor's intervention as surpassing antiquity and ensuring the structure's eternal awe-inspiring presence in Constantinople.[1] This inscription formed part of broader restoration efforts by Constantine VII to preserve and embellish key monuments in the Hippodrome, reinforcing Byzantine imperial identity amid the 10th-century revival of classical heritage.[15]
wasted by time, now Constantine the Emperor,
whose son is Romanus, the glory of the kingship,
restores better than the ancient spectacle.
For the Colossus was a wonder once in Rhodes,
and this is now a brazen wonder here.[1][15]