Obelisk of Theodosius, Egyptian monument in Sultanahmet Square, Turkey
Description
The Obelisk of Theodosius is an Egyptian monument on Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, made of red granite and standing 19 meters tall. Each of its four sides carries hieroglyphic inscriptions recording the military achievements of Pharaoh Thutmose III.
History
The structure originally stood at the Temple of Karnak and was erected around 1450 BC before Emperor Theodosius I brought it to Constantinople. Its installation in the current square took place in 390 when it was raised in the Hippodrome.
Culture
The marble pedestal displays carved scenes of Emperor Theodosius I handing out crowns, while musicians and dancers accompany the celebrations in the ancient Hippodrome. The reliefs offer a window into late Roman ceremonies and the way public squares were used for communal gatherings.
Practical
The square is accessible year-round and sits among many other landmarks in the historic center of Istanbul. Guided tours often explain the Latin and Greek inscriptions carved on the base.
Did you know?
Bronze cubes beneath the marble base distribute the weight of the 380-ton structure across the ground. The installation took 32 days and required careful engineering to ensure stability on the soft soil.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Sultan Ahmet).
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
142 m
Serpent Column
49 m
Hippodrome of Constantinople
40 m
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
64 m
Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
53 m
Cistern of Philoxenos
179 m
German Fountain
161 m
Ibrahim Pasha Palace
75 m
Great Palace Mosaic Museum
209 m
Walled Obelisk
89 m
Theodosius Cistern
269 mChurch of the Virgin of the Pharos
156 m
Firuz Ağa Mosque
199 m
Category:Nakilbend Mosque
237 m
Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum
44 m
Hasan Ağa Camii Çeşmesi
242 m
Ibrahim Pasha Palace
43 m
Cevri Kalfa Çeşmesi
246 mCistern Nakkas
218 mTomb of Sultan Ahmet
153 mOttomania Oriental Rugs Gallery
155 mŞAR-I ŞAHMERAN
280 mOMNISCIENT
279 mIST_04
208 mIST_14
203 mWork of art, sculpture
276 mScenic viewpoint
268 mScenic viewpoint
230 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes