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Istanbul and Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine (Roman) Empire and, in the Middle Ages, the largest and wealthiest city in Europe. In 1930, Constantinople was changed to its modern day name of Istanbul. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It was known by a few names for several centuries. The main secondary name being, Constantinople. In 1923, the Turkish government decided it was best for the city to only go by one name, and Istanbul was chosen. Istanbul is home to the world famous cathedral, the Hagia Sophia.
884 Questions
How would you describe the economic situation of the people of Constantinople?
The economic situation of the people of Constantinople in the late Byzantine period was marked by significant challenges and opportunities. The city served as a major trade hub, benefiting from its strategic location between Europe and Asia, which facilitated commerce and cultural exchange. However, the population faced hardships such as high taxation, inflation, and the effects of political instability, particularly as the empire weakened. Despite these difficulties, the diverse economy, including trade, crafts, and agriculture, allowed for a degree of resilience among its inhabitants.
What does Istanbul mean in English?
The area around the place today knowing as Istanbul, was founded in 7th century BC. Its name was Byzantion, named after Byzas*, the king of the Hellenic city of Megara*. (Megara was and is a city just an hour away of Athens, Hellas). The development and the growing of the city was profane because of the geographical spot it was chosen. It became a great commercial centre of the period connecting the Black Sea with the Aegean Sea and the Hellenic metropolis and colonies. The city of Byzantion has had other named too. One of them is Eptalofos, which means that is surrounded by 7 hills*.
When Constantine I, decided to transfer the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to another place with strategic orientation he chose Byzantion. This happened in 330 AD and he gave to the city the name "ÎÎα Ρώμη" (=Nea Romi, = New Rome, Nova Roma in latin). This name did not last for long and it was replaced by the name "Constantinople". ΚωνσταντινοÏπολη(Constantinoupolis) means the polis (=city) of Constantine. After the separation of the Roman Empire in 395 AD by Theodosius I, the Eastern Roman Empire knew a period of great rise and blossom in many sectors; political, economical, trade, land conquering, science, etc.. Its glory was great as well due to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, being provoked by the invasion of mostly Germanic tribes into its lands*. On the other side, the Eastern Romans were expanding into the Balkans, Asia Minor and Black Sea region, Middle East and North Africa. Only Emperor Ioustinianos on 6th century AD tried to reunite the two parts of the Roman Empire by conquering the westerns lands*, but this didn't last for long. All this time, Byzantines have come in contact with lots of tribes and civilization from the North, the West and the East. Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Huns, Avars and Slavs (8th century AD), Arab kingdoms and then sultanates, Seljuks* (11th century AD) etc..
Using the Hellenic language as the official language of the state since the times of Constantine I, scripts and texts inform us that the citizens where calling Constantinoupolis as just "Polis" with P capital letter. This way they wanted to show its glory it was threw these centuries. So, during the victorious wars after the battles the sergeants, generals and soldiers were shouting loud: "Εις την Πόλιν" (=Eis tin Polin, which means "Let's lead back to Polis) in order to return to the capital, bring the victorious news and celebrate. It is said, by historians of the era, that the Arabs hearing those shouts made it, by passing the time, as Istanbul, which later used by Ottomans* gave its current name.
One Polis, variety of names!
*Have a look at the links in the Related Links section below
What was Constantinople's old name?
Constantinople was originally named Byzantium by the Greeks who founded a colony there in the 7th century BCE. It was renamed Konstantinoupolis (Constantinople) after Constantine I in 324 CE; Constantine transferred the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Constantinople in 330 CE. Constantinople's modern name, Istanbul, comes from the Greek phrase 'eis tin polin' which means 'into the City.' After the Republic of Turkey was created in 1923, the Turkish government began to officially reject the use of Constantinople as an acceptable name for Istanbul.
What type of religions did Constantinople have?
Christianity was the religion of Constantinople. The formed the Eastern Orthodox Church, attended it regularly, and had icons inside their house.
How does life in Istanbul differ from life in rural turkey?
Life in Istanbul is characterized by a fast-paced, urban environment with a diverse population, modern amenities, and a vibrant cultural scene, including theaters, restaurants, and nightlife. In contrast, rural Turkey tends to have a slower pace of life, with strong community ties and a reliance on agriculture and traditional practices. Access to services like healthcare and education is often limited in rural areas, while Istanbul offers a wider range of opportunities and resources. Additionally, the lifestyle and cultural influences in Istanbul are shaped by its cosmopolitan nature, whereas rural life is more influenced by local customs and traditions.
What reasons did Mohamed have for attacking Constantinople?
Sultan Mehmed II, often referred to as Mohamed, sought to attack Constantinople for several key reasons. First, capturing the city would solidify his power and establish the Ottoman Empire as a dominant force in the region. Additionally, Constantinople was a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia, controlling key trade routes. Lastly, the city held immense symbolic significance as the center of the Byzantine Empire, and its conquest would mark a major turning point in history, signaling the rise of the Ottomans and the end of Christian Byzantine rule.
What happened to Constantinople after the Byzantine empire fell?
It remained Constantinople for many centuries after the Ottoman invasion on 1453 AD. It was not renamed Istanbul until 1923.
What factor made constantinople the ideal center of trade for the byzantine?
Constantinople lies directly between the continents of two different cultures, the Middle Eastern culture and the European culture. It is where these two cultures interact greatly and where the Islamic and Christian religions collide as well. It has been conquered by multiple nations because of its position on the Mediterranean Sea and its importance in trade. because of this the different cultures of these nations has been left behind each time it is taken over by a new country.
How many hours is flight from Skopje to Istanbul?
If your plane is traveling 600 mph, it will take roughly 2 hrs 15 min to fly the 1374 miles to Paris.
