For 1,000 years, the hippodrome was the focus of byzantine life, and for another 400 years, it was the center of ottoman life. this square formerly had two galleries, a central axis, beginning squares, and the semicircular southern end known as the sphendone, portions of which are still visible at the square’s south end.
Address: Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey
Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours
Timings: Open 24 hours (free entry)
Visitors per Year: Over 2 million
Ticket Price: Free
Number of Entrances: Multiple, historically significant gates including the Emperor’s Box
Expected Wait Time: No wait (Standard), No wait (Skip the Line)
UNESCO Year: Part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul, designated in 1985
The Hippodrome had the capacity to host 100,000 spectators
It was home to several key monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
Political factions such as the Blues and Greens wielded significant influence here.
The central spine, known as the Spina, was the focal point of chariot races.
The term Hippodrome is derived from the Greek words "hippos" (horse) and "dromos" (race or course), meaning "horse racecourse". It originally referred to large, open-air venues designed for horse and chariot racing in ancient Greek and Roman cities.
Cultural Hub
Beyond its primary function as a racetrack, the Hippodrome served as a center for social, political, and cultural activities. It hosted public gatherings, religious ceremonies, and sometimes even political confrontations.
Symbol of Imperial Power
In the Byzantine Empire, especially in Constantinople, the Hippodrome was a critical space for demonstrating imperial authority. Emperors used it for public appearances, military parades, and celebrations.
Architectural Features
Spina: The central barrier running down the middle of the track, often adorned with monuments and sculptures.
Carceres: The starting gates for the chariots.
Cavea: The seating areas for spectators, often tiered to accommodate thousands.
Modern Usage
In modern contexts, the term “hippodrome” may refer to venues for horse racing or even theatrical performances, drawing inspiration from its historic multifunctionality.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now located in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, was originally constructed by Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 AD. It was later expanded and transformed by Emperor Constantine the Great around 324 AD, when he made Byzantium the new capital of the Roman Empire and renamed it Constantinople. The Hippodrome became the heart of the city's public life, capable of holding up to 100,000 spectators. It was not only a sports venue but also a space for political gatherings, celebrations, and public ceremonies. Throughout Byzantine history, it served as a stage for both imperial grandeur and public unrest.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was one of the greatest monuments of the Byzantine Empire. It was built to host chariot races, a popular form of entertainment, but it also became a place for political gatherings, imperial ceremonies, and public protests. Here is the story of how it was built and developed over time.
The first version of the Hippodrome was built in 203 AD by Emperor Septimius Severus. At that time, Constantinople was known as Byzantium, a small and relatively unimportant city in the Roman Empire. Severus wanted to improve the city and make it more impressive, so he decided to build a racetrack for chariot racing, which was one of the most popular sports in the Roman world.
This early Hippodrome was not as large as the one we know today. It had basic structures for races and some seating for the audience. However, it laid the foundation for what would become a magnificent arena.
The real transformation of the Hippodrome happened under Emperor Constantine the Great in 324 AD. After he decided to make Byzantium the new capital of the Roman Empire, he renamed it Constantinople and began building grand structures to match its new status.
Constantine expanded the Hippodrome to make it one of the largest and most impressive in the empire. The new Hippodrome could hold up to 100,000 spectators, making it a central part of the city’s public life. It was designed with a long, oval shape, similar to other Roman racetracks. The track was surrounded by tiered seating, where people from all social classes could watch the races.
At the center of the track was the Spina, a long barrier decorated with statues, columns, and monuments. One of these monuments was the Serpent Column, brought from Delphi in Greece.
The Hippodrome wasn’t just a sports venue; it was a place where the emperor could show his power. He would attend the races, sitting in a special box called the Kathisma, which was connected directly to the imperial palace. From there, he could watch the games and be seen by the people.
The Hippodrome also hosted imperial ceremonies, such as military parades and celebrations of victories. It became a stage for important public announcements and even political confrontations.
The construction and expansion of the Hippodrome turned it into a symbol of Constantinople’s greatness. For centuries, it was the heart of the city’s public life. Although much of the Hippodrome is gone today, its legacy lives on in Sultanahmet Square, where some of its monuments still stand. The story of its construction shows how emperors used architecture to shape both the city and their own power.
The Nika Revolt was one of the most violent and destructive uprisings in the history of the Byzantine Empire. It took place in 532 AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, and almost cost him his throne. Here is the full story of what happened.
The revolt began during a chariot race in the Hippodrome of Constantinople. At that time, people in the city were divided into two main groups, or factions: the Blues and the Greens. These factions were originally based on support for chariot teams, but over time, they became political groups as well.
In January 532, a chariot race was held, but tension was high because of recent executions. A few days earlier, two men—one from the Blues and one from the Greens—had been sentenced to death for murder. The crowd in the Hippodrome demanded that Justinian pardon the men, but he refused. Both factions, usually rivals, united in anger against the emperor. They began shouting “Nika!”, which means “Victory!”, calling for rebellion.
The protests quickly spread beyond the Hippodrome. Angry mobs began looting and burning buildings throughout Constantinople. They set fire to important structures, including the Hagia Sophia and parts of the imperial palace. The revolt lasted for five days, and the city was thrown into chaos. The rebels even proclaimed a new emperor, Hypatius, who was a relative of a former emperor.
Justinian and his advisors considered fleeing the city. However, his wife, Empress Theodora, urged him to stay and fight. She famously said, “Purple is a fine burial shroud,” meaning she would rather die as an empress than run away.
With Theodora’s encouragement, Justinian decided to take action. He called on his generals, Belisarius and Mundus, to end the revolt. Justinian ordered the rebels to gather in the Hippodrome, pretending he would negotiate. Once they were inside, the generals and their soldiers surrounded the crowd.
The soldiers attacked and killed the rebels trapped in the Hippodrome. Historians believe that 30,000 people were killed that day. The revolt was crushed, and Justinian’s rule was secure once again.
In the Byzantine Empire, chariot races were not only exciting sports events but also important for politics. The two main teams, the Blues and the Greens, were more than racing factions. They represented different parts of society and often played a role in the empire’s political struggles.
Both factions had a strong influence on the people. They could rally large crowds and pressure the emperor. During chariot races, the Hippodrome was filled with chants and cheers, but it also became a place where political messages were shared. If people were unhappy with the government, they often used the Hippodrome to protest.
The rivalry between the Blues and Greens often led to violence. Here are some examples of their conflicts:
Local Street Fights: The factions frequently clashed in the streets, fighting over control of neighborhoods. These fights sometimes turned deadly, with supporters from both sides attacking each other.
Political Protests: The factions also used their influence to protest against imperial policies. If one faction felt the emperor favored the other, they would demand changes, sometimes through riots.
The Nika Revolt (532): The most famous conflict involving the Blues and Greens happened during the Nika Revolt. Initially, both factions united against Emperor Justinian due to harsh punishments given to their members. However, once the revolt was crushed, Justinian worked to regain the support of the Blues, which helped him stay in power.
The Blues and Greens were more than sports fans. They were like political parties that could influence the emperor’s decisions. They represented the voice of the people, especially in times of crisis. However, their intense rivalry also showed how dangerous factionalism could be. The conflicts between the Blues and Greens sometimes weakened the empire, leading to instability.
In conclusion, the Blues and Greens were central to both the entertainment and political life of Byzantium. Their presence in the Hippodrome reflected the empire’s complex social and political structure, where even sports could shape history.
The Hippodrome was not just a venue for sports; it was also an important site for imperial ceremonies. Emperors used the Hippodrome to showcase their power and connect with the people. They held grand processions, military parades, and public celebrations there. One of the most notable ceremonies was the Triumph, where the emperor paraded through the city after a military victory. The Hippodrome was also a place where the emperor could appear before the public to receive their acclamations or address their concerns. These ceremonies reinforced the emperor’s authority and celebrated the unity of the empire.
The Hippodrome was adorned with many impressive monuments. Some of the most notable were the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenitus. These monuments celebrated the empire’s victories and the city’s connection to its ancient past. The Spina, the central barrier of the racetrack, was decorated with statues and obelisks, showcasing the wealth and power of the empire. Each monument had its own story, often tied to significant historical events or imperial achievements.
Obelisk of Theodosius
The Obelisk of Theodosius or Egyptian Obelisk is one of the most famous monuments in Sultanahmet Square. It was made in Egypt around 1500 BC for Pharaoh Thutmose III. In 390 AD, Emperor Theodosius I brought it to Constantinople. The obelisk is made of pink granite and is about 25 meters tall, including its base. The base has carvings that show Theodosius and his family watching chariot races. These pictures also show workers lifting the obelisk, which helps us understand how they moved such a large object.
Serpent Column
The Serpent Column is a bronze monument made in Greece in 479 BC. It was created to celebrate the Greeks’ victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea. In 324 AD, Emperor Constantine brought it to the Hippodrome. The column has three snakes twisted together, but the snake heads are now missing. It originally held a golden bowl on top, which is also gone. The Serpent Column is one of the oldest pieces in Istanbul and shows the city’s connection to ancient Greece.
Walled Obelisk
The Walled Obelisk, also known as the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenitus, stands at the southern end of Sultanahmet Square. Unlike the Obelisk of Theodosius, this monument was constructed in Constantinople itself. It was built in the 10th century during the reign of Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus. The obelisk is made of stone blocks and was originally covered with bronze plates, which depicted scenes of the emperor’s victories and important events.
Unfortunately, the bronze plates were stripped off and melted down during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. What remains today is the core structure, which is around 32 meters tall. Despite its damaged state, the Walled Obelisk still gives visitors a sense of the grandeur that once defined the Hippodrome.
Many of the original monuments of the Hippodrome are no longer standing. They were lost over time due to wars, looting, and natural decay. Below are some of the most notable ones.
Statues of Emperors and Gods
The Hippodrome was decorated with many statues of Roman emperors, Greek gods, and heroes. These statues were made of bronze, marble, and other precious materials. They were destroyed or melted down during different periods, especially during the Fourth Crusade and the Ottoman era. Today, only fragments of these statues survive, scattered across museums in Turkey and Europe.
The Spina’s Decorations
The Spina, the central barrier of the racetrack, was once covered with beautiful statues, fountains, and obelisks. These decorations included images of famous battles, mythological stories, and symbols of the empire’s power. Over the centuries, most of these were removed or destroyed, and the Spina itself no longer exists.
Kathisma (Emperor’s Loge)
The Kathisma was a special box where the emperor and his family sat to watch races and ceremonies. It was richly decorated with gold and mosaics. This structure was also connected directly to the imperial palace. Today, no trace of the Kathisma remains, but it was once an important part of the Hippodrome’s design.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, once a grand arena for chariot races and imperial ceremonies, took on a different role after the Ottoman Empire conquered the city in 1453. Although the Ottomans didn’t continue the Byzantine tradition of chariot racing, the Hippodrome remained an important public space in Istanbul, reflecting the city's rich history.
When Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, he recognized the historical and cultural significance of the Hippodrome. However, by the 15th century, much of its original structure was already in ruins due to neglect and damage from earlier wars, including the Fourth Crusade in 1204.
The Ottomans did not rebuild the Hippodrome for races or public entertainment, as these were not part of their culture. Instead, the site was used as a public square, where important events and gatherings were held. The area around the Hippodrome became home to some of the most famous Ottoman structures, such as the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), built in the early 17th century.
The Ottomans used the Hippodrome, now known as At Meydanı (Horse Square), for various public events:
Festivals and Parades: The square hosted grand celebrations, including circumcision festivals for the sons of the sultans. These events were filled with music, food, and public entertainment.
Military Parades: Victorious Ottoman armies would sometimes march through the square after returning from successful campaigns.
Public Punishments: The Ottomans also used the space for public executions and punishments, making it a place where justice was seen by all.
While the Ottomans didn’t build new structures in the Hippodrome, they preserved some of the ancient monuments:
The Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and Walled Obelisk remained standing and became part of the square’s identity.
In 1898, during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the German Fountain was added. It was a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and symbolized the friendship between the Ottoman Empire and Germany.
Over the centuries, the Hippodrome continued to serve as a public space, but its condition gradually declined. By the late Ottoman period, much of its history was forgotten, and parts of the square were used for everyday activities like markets. However, interest in preserving the site grew in the 19th century as historians and archaeologists began to recognize its importance.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was once a grand arena filled with the cheers of thousands watching chariot races and imperial ceremonies. Today, it is known as Sultanahmet Square, a public space in the heart of Istanbul, where visitors can still feel the echoes of its glorious past. Let’s take a journey through what remains and what you can see when you visit the site.
When you step into Sultanahmet Square, you are walking on the same ground where emperors, athletes, and spectators gathered centuries ago. Although the Hippodrome’s massive structure is no longer standing, some important monuments have survived.
Obelisk of Theodosius
Serpent Column
Walled Obelisk
German Fountain
As you stand in Sultanahmet Square, it’s easy to imagine how the Hippodrome looked in its prime. The arena would have been filled with excitement as chariots raced around the Spina, the central barrier. Thousands of spectators cheered for their favorite teams, the Blues and the Greens, while the emperor watched from his special box, the Kathisma.
The square was also a place for important events. Emperors held parades and celebrations here, and it was sometimes the site of protests and uprisings, such as the Nika Revolt in 532 AD.
Visiting the Hippodrome is not just about seeing ancient monuments. It’s a chance to stand in a place where history was made. You can learn about the city’s Byzantine past and how it shaped modern Istanbul. The Hippodrome connects you to the lives of people who lived here centuries ago, from emperors to everyday citizens.
Today, Sultanahmet Square is a peaceful area where you can enjoy a stroll, take photos of the monuments, and reflect on the rich history of Constantinople. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the fascinating story of this ancient city.
The Hippodrome, now called Sultanahmet Square, is one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. It is located in the heart of the Old City, near other major attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get there, even if you’ve never visited Istanbul before.
The most convenient and tourist-friendly way to reach Sultanahmet Square is by using the T1 tram line.
Steps:
Find the nearest T1 tram station. Popular stations include:
Kabataş (if you’re coming from the Bosphorus area or Taksim via the funicular).
Eminönü (near Galata Bridge and Spice Bazaar).
Sirkeci (close to the train station and ferry terminals).
Board a tram going towards Bağcılar (check the direction).
Get off at Sultanahmet Tram Station. This stop is clearly marked and announced on the tram.
After getting off the tram, follow the signs pointing to Hagia Sophia or Sultanahmet Square. It’s only a 2-minute walk from the station.
If you are arriving at Istanbul Airport, you can combine the metro and tram for an efficient route.
Steps:
Take the M11 metro line from Istanbul Airport to the Kağıthane Station.
Transfer to the M7 metro line and travel to Kabataş Station.
From Kabataş, switch to the T1 tram line heading towards Bağcılar.
Get off at Sultanahmet Tram Station and walk to the square.
Another convenient option from Istanbul Airport is the Havaist shuttle service.
Steps:
Look for the Havaist shuttle labeled Sultanahmet. These buses are modern, comfortable, and designed for tourists.
The shuttle will take you directly to Sultanahmet Square. The journey takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Once you arrive, follow the signs to the main square.
If you are arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (on the Asian side of Istanbul), follow these steps:
Option 1: Shuttle + Metro + Tram
Take the Havabus shuttle to Kadıköy.
From Kadıköy, take the M4 metro line to Ayrılık Çeşmesi Station.
Transfer to the Marmaray train towards Sirkeci Station.
At Sirkeci, switch to the T1 tram line and get off at Sultanahmet Tram Station.
Option 2: Direct Shuttle
Some private shuttles operate directly from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet. These are more expensive but faster and easier.
Taking a taxi is a direct but more expensive option.
Steps:
From anywhere in Istanbul, ask the driver to take you to Sultanahmet Meydanı. Make sure to specify Sultanahmet Square to avoid confusion.
Ensure the taxi meter is running. A ride from Istanbul Airport costs around 600-800 TRY, depending on traffic.
The driver will drop you near the square, usually close to the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia.
If you are staying in or near the Sultanahmet area, you can easily walk to the Hippodrome.
Steps:
Follow signs or use a map app to navigate to Sultanahmet Square.
Look for landmarks like the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. The Hippodrome is right between these two famous buildings.
Once you arrive at Sultanahmet Square, finding the Hippodrome is easy because of these nearby landmarks:
Hagia Sophia: To the north of the square.
Blue Mosque: To the west, right across from Hagia Sophia.
German Fountain: A small pavilion near the Hippodrome’s southern end.
If you see these landmarks, you’re already at the Hippodrome!
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