A Legacy at the Heart of Istanbul: The Hippodrome

Located in Istanbul’s historic peninsula, between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome was not merely a chariot-racing arena but one of the central stages of religious, political, and social life throughout the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Known today as Sultanahmet Square, the site has witnessed emperors, citizens, and clergy converge for celebrations, revolts, and religious ceremonies over the centuries.

Historical and Political Background

Construction of the Hippodrome began during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 AD, but it reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Constantine I, who declared Byzantium (later Constantinople) the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. Completed in 324 AD, the Hippodrome could accommodate up to 100,000 spectators, making it one of the largest structures of its time.

In the Byzantine period, the Hippodrome was not just a venue for chariot races (quadriga) but also a center of political activity. Emperors addressed the public here; triumphal parades, religious festivals, and official ceremonies took place in this area. One of the most notable events was the Nika Riots of 532, when tens of thousands of rebels gathered in the Hippodrome to oppose Emperor Justinian I. The uprising ended in a massacre, vividly demonstrating the site’s political significance.

During the Ottoman era, although the Hippodrome no longer served its original racing function, it remained a stage for religious and military ceremonies. Renamed “At Meydanı” (Horse Square), the area became one of the gathering points for sultans and the public, surrounded by mosques, schools, and fountains that transformed it into a religious and social hub.

Religious Role and Importance

In both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, the Hippodrome played a significant religious role. In Byzantium, religious processions for saints and festivals often started or ended here, reinforcing the sacred authority of the emperor as a representative of God.

Under Ottoman rule, the square was surrounded by Islamic architecture, especially after the construction of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Religious ceremonies, post-prayer gatherings during Eid, and state-led prayers took place here, further strengthening its spiritual significance.

Geographical Location and Importance

The Hippodrome is located in Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula, between the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn, in a district known as Sultanahmet. Its strategic location made it a central administrative and ceremonial site throughout the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. Surrounded by landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, it remains one of the most significant geographical points in the city.

Thanks to its proximity to both land and sea routes, the Hippodrome was easily accessible to the public, making it an ideal location for religious rituals, political speeches, and social events.

Architectural Features and Monuments

The original Hippodrome was modeled after the Circus Maximus in Rome. U-shaped in design, it measured approximately 450 meters in length and 130 meters in width. A central barrier called the spina ran through the middle of the arena, around which chariots would race. Several important monuments were erected on the spina, some of which still stand today:

• The Obelisk of Theodosius: Originally from Egypt, it was erected in the Hippodrome in 390 AD by Emperor Theodosius. The hieroglyphic inscriptions on its surface offer insights into ancient Egyptian civilization.
• The Serpent Column: Brought from Delphi, Greece, this bronze column was erected in the 5th century BC to commemorate a Greek victory over the Persians. It originally featured three serpent heads, which are now missing.
• The Walled Obelisk: Built by local artisans during the Byzantine period, this stone obelisk is decorated with intricate carvings and is also known as the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenitus.

Over time, the area around the Hippodrome was adorned with Ottoman architecture. The Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, is located on the eastern side of the square and greatly contributed to the religious and architectural prominence of the site.

Conclusion: The Hippodrome, a Witness to Time

The Hippodrome is not merely a space defined by stone and ruins; it is a living historical site that carries the layers of civilizations past. The grandeur of Rome, the glory of Byzantium, and the majesty of the Ottoman Empire all converge in this square. Although it is known today as Sultanahmet Square, every stone and monument still whispers the complex religious, political, and cultural legacy of the ancient Hippodrome.