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A Complex and Evolving Structure
The buildings in this area have gone through many changes over time. There has been so much modification and rebuilding that it is clear...
Hidden Passages Connecting to Tower N
The spiral stairway in the turret was not an isolated structure. It was connected to Tower N by a series of narrow, vaulted passages....
Stairway Turret Structure and Purpose
Section E was a stairway turret, a round tower that contained a spiral ramp instead of steps. This inclined plane wrapped around a central...
General Grant’s Lasting Legacy and the Hidden World of the Ottoman Harem
A Global Icon's Enduring Influence
General Ulysses S. Grant's famous tour around the world after his presidency created an extraordinary and lasting impression on leaders...
Two Sides of a Controversial Sultan
Religious Devotion and Political Violence
The Missionaries' Harsh Judgment
Christian missionaries working in the Ottoman Empire held extremely negative views of Sultan Abdul Hamid II. These...
The Insider’s Revenge
How a Minister's Son Exposed the Sultan
A Family Legacy of Power and Influence
Gorges Dorys, the author who dared to expose the Sultan's private life,...
The Most Treasured Semi-Precious Stones of Turkey
Turkey is home to many beautiful and rare gemstones. Among them, six semi-precious stones stand out because of their abundance, unique properties, and traditional...
Sepiolite The Soft White Stone of Eskişehir
Sepiolite, also known as meerschaum, is a soft, white mineral made of magnesium and silicon. Its chemical formula is Mg₄Si₆O₁₅(OH)₂·6H₂O. It usually appears as...
Chrysoprase The Green Gemstone of Turkey
Chrysoprase (also called chrysoprasus) is a beautiful green gemstone that belongs to the chalcedony family. Its green color comes from small amounts of nickel...
Dividing the Macedonian Population
It’s difficult to say whether a specific Macedonian village is Bulgarian or Greek. The populations are mixed. Some Bulgarians speak Greek, while some Greeks...
