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Istanbul Hippodrome Square

Istanbul Hippodrome Square, known today as Sultan Ahmed Square, is one of the oldest squares in Istanbul, dating back to the Byzantine period.

The Istanbul Hippodrome is where chariots competed during the Roman and Byzantine periods. This square became a public square during the Ottoman Empire.

The name of this square comes from two words “hippo” and “drome” in Roman language, which means “square”. Hippodrome Square is surrounded by several historical sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art.

A walk through Sultan Ahmed Square, the Hippodrome, enjoying the silence and historical atmosphere, as well as relaxing in various restaurants and cafes around are the main attractions of this city.

This historical area of Istanbul is one of the most famous tourist areas of Istanbul and a very impressive tourist area leading to all the historical sites.

History of the Istanbul Hippodrome

The Hippodrome Square was built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great after declaring Istanbul the capital of the Roman Empire. The Hippodrome was a kind of stadium during the Roman and Byzantine times.

Chariots have raced in this square for centuries, and here you can see some historical monuments from that period. The Hippodrome witnessed very important events in the history of Byzantium.

The Byzantine emperors were crowned in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Hippodrome. On the other hand, uprisings began from here, overthrowing many Byzantine rulers.

For example, from here the Nicene Revolt, the largest uprising in the history of Byzantium, spread to the city. In this riot, 40,000 people set fire to the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, today’s Istanbul.

During the Byzantine period, the hippodrome was a lively place where competitions were held. To win the race, the racers had to circle the racetrack seven times.

The Hippodrome Square was the center of the city’s social life and was used for various events, such as lavish ceremonies during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III.

It is also clear from the miniature paintings and sculptures of the hippodrome that this arena was once a majestic and very beautiful place. Although these buildings no longer exist on the square, the current Sultan Ahmed Square largely follows the layout and dimensions of the once large hippodrome.

What was the Istanbul Hippodrome area used for?

Although many events were held at the hippodrome, the main activities in this area were horse racing and chariot riding.

These races, which were usually held on racecourse tracks, usually consisted of eight chariots, each drawn by four horses.

These competitors were divided into four different teams, each trying to guarantee victory during the race: the blue (Vento), red (Rossivi), white (Locoi) and green (Praciniol) teams.

These teams weren’t just powerful racetrack champions. Gradually their power grew until they became a kind of political party operating in the empire.

Buildings left from the Hippodrome square

The Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, the Colossus or the Column of Constantine Porfirigit are three famous historical monuments in the heart of Istanbul’s Hippodrome Square. These three historical monuments still stand today.

Egyptian obelisk

This building is one of three monuments erected in the center of the square. This monument was brought from Egypt in 390 and installed in its current location in just 31 days.

This monument dates back to 1450 BC and was built for the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III. We can say that this is one of the oldest buildings in Istanbul.

The monument stands on a marble pedestal and depicts the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I and people watching the games. You can also see how the obelisk is installed on the reliefs.

Colossus

It is a 32 meter column which looks very impressive. This is the turning point of the horses during the race on the hippodrome field.

The brass plates on top of the column were used by the Latins in 1204, as there were many of the sculptures and decorations in the Hippodrome, to make coins.

Serpentine column

The Snake Column is one of the most unusual buildings in Istanbul, decorating the square. This pillar is a talisman brought from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi to protect the city from insects.

The Serpentine Column, originally called the Plataean Tripod, was built to commemorate the Persian defeat by the Greeks during the Persian Wars in the 5th century.

Constantine then ordered the tripod to be moved from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi to the middle of the Hippodrome. The tripod consisted of a golden bowl supported by three snake heads.

In this building you will see three snakes intertwined and their heads were lost in 1700. Only the head of a snake remains, which is exhibited in the archeological museums of Istanbul.

German fountain

The German fountain is located in the north of the Hippodrome square, many in the area know this fountain under the name Alman cesmesi. This fountain is octagon-shaped, has marble columns and eight steps, made in the style of neo-Byzantine architecture.

The German Fountain was built in 1898 in honor of Wilhelm’s second visit to Istanbul. The bronze taps around this fountain are used for drinking water and for ablutions.

Column of Constantine

In the past, the Column of Constantine was one of the tallest columns in Istanbul with a height of 35 meters. This column uses stone blocks, red and purple stones, and sumac stones.

The Column of Constantine is located 550 meters from the Hippodrome Square. And it’s just an 8 minute walk from the square. This column symbolized the presence of the Romans in Istanbul. This column dates back to the reign of Constantine the Great.

How to go to Istanbul Hippodrome?

Today, Istanbul Hippodrome Square is the most touristic place in Istanbul. The most convenient means of transportation to go to the square is the tram. You can easily reach Sultan Ahmed tram station by tram from both Bağcılar and Kabataş routes.

Hippodrome or Sultan Ahmed Square, which was a horse racing arena during the Ottoman period, is only a 5-minute walk from Sultan Ahmed Tram Station.

The Hippodrome Square is 450 meters long in front of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. All tourists always come here to visit this square after visiting the mosque or cathedral.

The best time to visit Istanbul Hippodrome is in the morning because it gets very crowded during the day from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Attractions around Hippodrome Square

Around this square there are beautiful sights, including Topkapi Palace, the ancient Basilica reservoir, Orangery Park, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, Sultan Ahmed Park.

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