“Meet at the Walkway Monuments Bust” is a common phrase here. This Walkway Monuments Bust stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich tapestry of commemorative art.
The Walkway Monuments Bust, though perhaps not as famous as the Republic Monument in Taksim Square, offers its own unique glimpse into history. The Cumhuriyet Anıtı is maybe Istanbul’s most famous monument. It commemorates the 5th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey’s founding in 1923. Pietro Canonica designed it. It has two sides. One side shows the Turkish War of Independence. The other depicts the modern Turkish republic.
But let’s return to the Walkway Monuments Bust and consider the stories it holds. Imagine the hands that sculpted it. Envision the crowds that gathered to witness its unveiling. Think about the messages it conveys to those who pass by.
Consider too, other monuments in this vibrant city. The Monument of Liberty, also known as Abide-i Hürriyet, commemorates the Young Turk Revolution of 1908. It also honors the victims of the counter-revolution in 1909. The Young Turk Revolution marked a turning point in Ottoman Empire history. The constitutional government aimed to implement political reforms. They promoted civic rights. They also modernized administrative structures.
Then there’s the Obelisk of Theodosius, or Dikilitaş. This ancient Egyptian obelisk now stands in Hippodrome Square. Thutmose III originally erected it in Egypt around 1479-1425 BCE. Roman Emperor Theodosius I transported it to Constantinople in 390 AD. The obelisk is made of red granite. Hieroglyphs adorn its sides. They commemorate the victories of Thutmose III.
Don’t forget Constantine’s Column, also known as Çemberlitaş. This ancient Roman column was erected in 328 AD. It marked Constantinople’s dedication as the new Roman Empire capital. A statue of Constantine as Apollo once topped the column. It symbolized the Roman Empire’s transformation from Pagan to Christian.
The German Fountain or Alman Çeşmesi sits near the Hippodrome of Constantinople entrance. German Emperor Wilhelm II gifted it to Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. It was constructed in Germany. Then it was transported to Istanbul in pieces. It was inaugurated in 1901.
Also, the Sarayburnu Ataturk Monument represents the first Mustafa Kemal Ataturk monument erected in Turkey. Heinrich Krippel sculpted it. The sculpture was made in Vienna. The pieces were brought to Turkey and assembled. Construction was completed on October 3 1926. Ataturk is depicted as a civilian statesman.
Even the Kadıköy Bull Statue carries a tale. It is about 150 years old. It represents the Alsace-Lorraine region. This area was contested between France and Germany in the 1800s. Isidore Bonheur created the statue. According to a theory, German Emperor II Wilhelm gifted the statue to the Ottoman Empire in 1917.
Finally, the Serpent Column, an ancient bronze column, is located in Hippodrome Square. The column dates back to the 5th century BC. It commemorated the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC. Roman Emperor Constantine the Great relocated the Serpent Column from Delphi to Constantinople.
Each monument in Istanbul adds a layer to the city’s story. The Walkway Monuments Bust is just one piece of this grand narrative. It connects us to the past. It inspires us to reflect on the present. It encourages us to consider the future.