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A Monument Bridging Ancient Civilizations
The Egyptian Obelisk, known in Turkish as Dikilitas, stands as one of Istanbul's most remarkable ancient monuments, embodying a fascinating journey through multiple civilizations. Originally erected in Karnak, Egypt around 1450 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III, this magnificent structure now graces the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, modern-day Sultanahmet Square.
Crafted from pink granite quarried from the famous Syene quarries (modern-day Aswan), the obelisk originally stood between 25 to 30 meters tall. Today, it measures 19.59 meters, with approximately one-third of its lower portion missing. The monument was created to commemorate Pharaoh Thutmose III's victory over the Mitanni kingdom at Naharin, beyond the Euphrates River, in 1457 BCE.
The obelisk's journey to Constantinople occurred in stages. Emperor Constantius II (337-361) first had it transported to Alexandria. However, it remained at the port until Emperor Julian requested its transfer to Constantinople through a diplomatic letter to the Alexandrians. The final installation in the Hippodrome took place in 390 CE under Emperor Theodosius I, supervised by the city prefect Proclus, earning it the alternative name "Theodosius's Column" in some sources.
The monument's base consists of two main parts: a marble pedestal and a stylobate, both richly decorated with reliefs and inscriptions. The marble pedestal features scenes from 4th-century Constantinople life, including:
The stylobate carries both Greek and Latin inscriptions commemorating the obelisk's erection, notably claiming it took either 32 or 33 days to raise (the two inscriptions differ on this point). One face of the stylobate displays remarkable relief work showing the technical process of raising the obelisk using pulleys and ropes, providing valuable insight into ancient engineering practices.
The obelisk's four faces bear pristine hieroglyphic inscriptions, making it particularly valuable as they remain unaltered since their original carving. The inscriptions honor both the god Amon-Ra and Pharaoh Thutmose III, describing the former as "giver of life, eternity, and pleasure" and the latter as "son of Ra" and ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. The text also commemorates the pharaoh's military achievements and the monument's dedication.
Throughout history, the obelisk has been documented in various artistic works, including 16th-century engravings by Flemish artist Pieter Coeck van Aalst and Ottoman miniatures in works such as Nasuh es-Silahi's Menazilname and Seyyid Lokman's Hunername. The monument's surroundings have undergone several archaeological investigations, notably C.T. Newton's 1857 excavation and the British Academy's 1927 excavations, which revealed important information about the Hippodrome's construction levels.
Today, the Egyptian Obelisk stands as a testament to the interconnected nature of ancient civilizations, having witnessed the rise and fall of empires while maintaining its original grandeur. Its preservation and the detailed documentation of its journey and installation provide invaluable insights into ancient engineering, artistic practices, and cultural exchange between Egypt, Rome, and Constantinople.
To fully appreciate and understand the rich history and intricate details of this remarkable monument, it is highly recommended to visit the Hippodrome with a professional tourist guide. A knowledgeable guide can provide detailed explanations of the hieroglyphics, reliefs, and historical context, ensuring visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of this ancient masterpiece and its significance across multiple civilizations.
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