Constantinople
Government
The city is ruled by a mixed group of ministers of religious and secular backgrounds, but all power over the city lies in the hands of the sultan.
Defences
The city is defended on land by the rebuilt and modernized Theodosian walls, which are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. The walls stand at a height of 12m (40ft) and surround the city and its ports which are protected by sea walls.
Points of interest
The city became famous for its architectural masterpieces, such as Hagia Sophia, the cathedral of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which served as the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the sacred Imperial Palace where the Emperors lived, the Hippodrome, the Golden Gate of the Land Walls, and opulent aristocratic palaces. The University of Constantinople was founded in the fifth century and contained artistic and literary treasures before it was sacked in 1204 and 1453, including its vast Imperial Library which contained the remnants of the Library of Alexandria and had 100,000 volumes. The city was the home of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and guardian of Christendom's holiest relics such as the Crown of thorns and the True Cross.
Architecture
The Byzantine Empire used Roman and Greek architectural models and styles to create its own unique type of architecture.
Geography
Constantinople is located in the center of Ottoman territory and straddles the Bosporus strait, which provides the only passage from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean via the Sea of Marmara. Historically, the city has been ideally situated for trade and defense: The confluence of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn provide both ideal defense against enemy attack and a natural toll-gate.
Climate
Constantinople has a borderline Mediterranean climate, humid subtropical climate, and oceanic climate. It experiences cool winters with frequent precipitation, and warm to hot, moderately dry summers. Spring and fall are usually mild, with varying conditions dependent on wind direction.
Founding Date
11 May 330
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
Kostantiniyye or Konstantinopolis (Turkish)
Type
Capital
Population
50,000
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization