Adventures Online: Discover Istanbul Through the Ages

1:00 p.m. Orientation and Introductions (30 minutes). We will have a welcome session with our Study Leader, Kazim Uzunoglu, and our Group Leaders, Sami Ozcini and Volkan Yazici, to review the program schedule and aspects of Zoom. We will then have an opportunity to introduce ourselves and say hello. 1:30 p.m. Lecture (45 minutes). We will have an overview of the Byzantine Empire — which existed for more than a thousand years, from 330 until 1453 CE — and two of its most notable emperors, Constantine and Justinian. We will learn about the significance of the empire in shaping the role and character of Constantinople. 2:15 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:30 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). We will focus on some of the monuments remaining from the Byzantine era. Among the highlights we will see and learn about include the ancient Hippodrome and the obelisks that adorned the social center of ancient Constantinople. We will also explore two underground cisterns and the intricate water system that served the city 1,700 years ago. We’ll marvel at the magnificent mosaics of the 14th century Chora Church and learn about their significance and connection to the Renaissance. Finally, we will “stroll” along the ancient city walls to understand their strength and importance in the city defending the city through the centuries. 3:15 p.m. Wrap-up discussion with Q&A (45 minutes). 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.

1:00 p.m. Lecture (45 minutes). Hagia Sophia — from the Greek — means “holy wisdom.” It was the major Christian basilica of the Byzantine Empire and had the largest dome in the world from the time of its construction in 537 CE until the 15th century. We will learn about this most important historical building in the city, a masterpiece in the history of architecture and a powerful symbol spanning centuries. It was transformed into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE. Some of the most famous mosques that followed were inspired by its design. 1:45 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). After a period of secularism beginning in the 1930s when it was treated as a museum, Hagia Sophia has been reclassified as a mosque once again. We will explore this stunning building that has been standing for almost 1,500 years. We’ll learn about the building’s architecture and decoration as well as its significance in the history of Constantinople. 2:45 p.m. Discussion with Q&A (60 minutes). We will focus on Hagia Sophia’s symbolic power through the ages. We will also give attention to the sonic world of Byzantine cathedral music, based on a Stanford University team that used virtual acoustics to give us an idea of how this music might have sounded a thousand years ago. 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.

1:00 p.m. Lecture (45 minutes). We will briefly review the history of Ottoman Empire through 600 years of its existence until 1922. We’ll also discuss two of its most noteworthy sultans: Mehmet the Conqueror and Suleiman the Magnificent who shaped one of the most powerful empires in the world. 1:45 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). Topkapi Palace stands as a testimony to the power and wealth of the Ottoman Empire. As we explore the courtyards and different sections of this vast palace, we will learn about the administrative system that held the empire together. We will pass along mysterious corridors of the Harem — reserved solely for the Sultan and members of the royal family — and delve into the intrigues, clashes, and colorful stories that took place in this evocative section of the palace. Built at the end of the 16th century, there were some 300 rooms connected to courtyards and gardens. 2:45 p.m. Discussion with Q&A (60 minutes). 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.

1:00 p.m. Lecture (45 minutes). We will first have a general overview of Islam and its tenets, followed by the evolution of mosque architecture. We will then discuss the architecture and significance of imperial mosques in Istanbul. We’ll learn about the architectural history of royal Ottoman mosques and their significance in forming the skyline of the city. 1:45 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). Our experts will take us on a virtual field trip through several mosques, including the world famous Blue Mosque and the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent. We will learn about the significance and symbolism of the dome in Ottoman mosques and familiarize ourselves with the tenets of Islam and various components of a mosque. We will also visit the seat/church of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, an active synagogue from 15th century and an Armenian church. 2:45 p.m. Discussion with Q&A (60 minutes). 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.

1:00 p.m. Lecture (45 minutes). Contemporary Istanbul is a city of contrasts. We will first discuss the urban development of the city through 20th century, consider changes in the urban social fabric and its reflection on architecture and daily life since the last century. We will also talk about the current issues the city is dealing with and prospects for the future. 1:45 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (45 minutes). We will explore the more modern parts of Istanbul. Strolling down from Taksim Square through the pedestrian Istiklal Street, we will see markets along the street. Other highlights will include the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, and some more local markets to get a sense of the bustling activity that has been going on for 1,500 years. 2:45 p.m. Discussion with Q&A (60 minutes). A professor of Urban Architecture at the Istanbul Technical University will discuss the issue of women and the related changes that have taken place in Istanbul in the last century. 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). 4:00 p.m. This concludes our program.