Turkish Delights

The walled obelisk - Istanbul

 I popped over to Istanbul in Turkey last weekend, to see the F1 Grand Prix with some chums. We had booked an off-the-track Hotel, and were going to just chill out in the city before and after the race…. keep it simple.

On the first evening, we wondered up the hill from our Hotel and found a quiet little restaurant, opposite a park. Settling down over a few local beers and waiting for our meze to arrive, imagine my suprise when I noticed this obelisk right opposite our table!!!!!

Known as the Walled Obelisk (also the Constantine Obelisk)its actually within the old Hippodrome of Constantinople (now Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey). It’s an unusual looking thing, looking like its got stone cladding, and measures 32 m (105 ft)-high.

The exact date it was constructed is unknown, but it is named after Constantine VII after he repaired it in the tenth century. At that time, it was reportedly decorated with gilded bronze plaques that portrayed the victories of Basil I who was the grandfather of Constantine VII. Also there was a sphere at the top of obelisk. However, reportedly these gilded bronze plaques were stolen and melted down by Fourth Crusaders in 1204.

So, the question I found myself asking is this. Given that I have literally only just started thinking and talking about these things, is it a coincidence that I should bump into one on my first night in Istanbul?