Saksagan
The Moat of Constantinople
The moat of Constantinople was one of the most important parts of the city's defense system. In Greek, it was called the Taphros. It...
Smaller Towers on the Outer Wall
The towers along the Outer Wall of Constantinople were much smaller than the towers found on the Inner Wall. These outer towers stood about...
Inside the Towers
Living and Defense Space
The lower part of each tower in Constantinople’s city walls did not play a major role in direct combat. Instead, it...
A Day in the Bazaar
One day, I walk by the bazaar without going in. The next day, I stroll along with a friend. We pass the store, and...
The Road to Ochrida
The road we traveled was clear and easy to follow. It curved around long hills that had no trees. Goatherds, people living a simple...
Facing the Dogs
With little belief that it would work, but with the quickness of a man in a comic opera, I sat down. Just in case...
A Courteous Offer to Swap Horses
My Turkish friend, the leader of the group, noticed how awkward I looked on such a funny horse. He insisted that I "swap" horses...
The Vali’s Garden
Under the shade of a small, pretty kiosk, beside a plantation and overlooking a dry, yellow river with a dusty plain beyond, sat the...
A Visit from a Turkish General
I was just about to take a comfortable nap when I heard a knock at the door of the British Consulate. A Turkish general,...
Discovering Brusa
A Historic Ottoman Capital
A visit to Brusa, the once vibrant capital of the Ottoman Empire, requires a minimum of three days, including a full...
