Discover the Ancient Column of Cemberlitas: A Roman Monument in Istanbul

11.04.2025 - 11:58

The Forum of Constantine, once Constantinople's political and social heart and a symbol of the Roman Empire’s power, has largely faded into history. Yet, one extraordinary relic remains: the Column of Cemberlitas. Erected by the legendary Emperor Constantine the Great, this ancient Roman column still proudly stands in the heart of Istanbul, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the city's imperial past. Located just a short walk from the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet, the Cemberlitas Column is one of Istanbul’s most important historical monuments and a must-see for travelers interested in Roman and Byzantine history.

Let's delve deep into the history of this remarkable landmark👇

In 330, Constantine I embarked on a major transformation to make Byzantium the new center of the Roman Empire. Görseli — The Forum was built as a symbol of this transformation and became not only a gathering space but also a place where political power and ideology were on display.

The Forum of Constantine had a circular structure. This unique architecture is remarkable for both aesthetics and functionality.

This forum has become a central gathering place for the capital.

The Forum of Constantine is also considered one of the first examples of Byzantine aesthetics.

This space was used for various public events such as political meetings, public speeches and celebrations. In Constantinople, the Senate was the institution where important political decisions of the empire were made, and the Senate House was a symbol of this power.

The Forum was notable not only for its columns, but also for the Senate Building and the monumental fountain.

With its sculptures, it was like an art gallery reflecting the splendor of the past. This shows the cultural richness of the city. The artifacts in the city remained largely intact until the sack in 1204.

The most remarkable structure of the Forum of Constantine is the large porphyry column in the center, erected in honor of Constantine I.

The column also represents the victories of Constantine I. Byzantine Emperor Constantine had the 57-meter-long column, which is thought to have been removed from the Temple of Apollo in Rome, erected in the Forum of Constantine.

It is thought that there was also a statue of Emperor Constantine on the column.

The transformation of the Column of Constantine from its founding to the present day is thought to reflect the emperor's desire to strike a balance between his pagan origins and his Christian faith. This transformation also symbolizes a change in the identity of both the column and Constantine himself.

For centuries, the Forum of Constantine held an important place at the heart of the Byzantine Empire, but it was badly damaged by natural disasters and man-made destruction.

In particular, a major fire in 1779 devastated many parts of the forum, and a large part of the Column of Constantine was damaged during this fire. In addition, earthquakes in the 11th century caused serious damage to the structure of the forum and the column. These destructive events caused the forum to lose its former splendor. However, the Column of Constantine has been restored many times over time and has survived to the present day.

The Column of Constantine has been restored many times throughout history.

This structure, which became known as “Çemberlitaş” (Hooped Stone) during the Ottoman period, was reinforced with metal hoops added around it, making it more resistant to earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Extensive restorations carried out in the 2000s ensured that the column was preserved and its structural integrity maintained. Today, the column is recognized as one of the most important historical buildings in Istanbul. It continues to attract both local and foreign tourists.