Photo gallery of the obelisk
Egyptian Obelisk
Egyptian Obelisk - Istanbul, Turkey
The Egyptian Obelisk, also known as the Obelisk of Theodosius, stands in the historic center of Istanbul on Sultanahmet Square, on the site of the former Hippodrome of Constantinople. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and a convenient starting point for a walk around the neighborhood.
The monolith was carved under pharaoh Thutmose III in the 15th century BC from pink Aswan granite. Its hieroglyphic inscriptions praise the ruler's victories, including campaigns to the Euphrates.
In antiquity the obelisk was taken from Thebes: in 357 AD it was transported to Alexandria by order of Emperor Constantius II. In 390 AD Emperor Theodosius I moved the monument to Constantinople and placed it on the Hippodrome, where it still stands.
The current height of the structure including the pedestal is about 25.5 m, while the preserved granite shaft reaches roughly 18.5 m. The lower part was lost before its installation in Constantinople, which explains the reduced overall height. The monument is outdoors and freely accessible.
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The Egyptian Obelisk, also known as the Obelisk of Theodosius, stands in the historic center of Istanbul on Sultanahmet Square, on the site of the former Hippodrome of Constantinople. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and a convenient starting point for a walk around the neighborhood.
The monolith was carved under pharaoh Thutmose III in the 15th century BC from pink Aswan granite. Its hieroglyphic inscriptions praise the ruler's victories, including campaigns to the Euphrates.
In antiquity the obelisk was taken from Thebes: in 357 AD it was transported to Alexandria by order of Emperor Constantius II. In 390 AD Emperor Theodosius I moved the monument to Constantinople and placed it on the Hippodrome, where it still stands.
The current height of the structure including the pedestal is about 25.5 m, while the preserved granite shaft reaches roughly 18.5 m. The lower part was lost before its installation in Constantinople, which explains the reduced overall height. The monument is outdoors and freely accessible.
Examine the reliefs and inscriptions to understand the monument's history.
Reliefs and inscriptions at the base of the obelisk
Particular attention should be paid to the marble pedestal. Its reliefs depict Emperor Theodosius I, members of his family and officials, scenes from the Hippodrome stands and chariot races. Separate panels show the process of raising the monolith, offering insight into late antique mounting techniques.
At the base you can read Latin and Greek inscriptions: they state that Prefect Proclus erected the obelisk in 32 days. Nearby you can see traces of fastenings and joints, and the Egyptian hieroglyphs on the faces of the monolith are clearly visible. The best thing to do on site is to study the reliefs and carving details closely and take close-up shots.
It is easy to combine the visit with other Hippodrome monuments: the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Constantine and the German Fountain. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are within walking distance, convenient for a single route around Sultanahmet.
How to get there: take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet station; it is a 2-3 minute walk across the square. The site is open at any time, admission is free.
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