Kiztaji (Markianos Column)
Located in a Fatih neighborhood of the same name, the Kiztap structure, or the Markianos Column by its Byzantine-era name, was constructed in the middle of a small square by the city’s governor Tatianus Decius in the name of Emperor Markianos City Walls of Istanbul A Symbol of Strength and History.
History and Restoration
Throughout the Ottoman Era, the monument remained in the garden of a home in Sara(hanebaşi. However, its surroundings suffered damage in the fire that occurred on August 23, 1908, known as the Qrorfire. Later, a small square was formed around it when the streets were rearranged.
Architectural Features
The base of the Markianos Column is adorned with two opposing figures of Nike, the goddess of victory, holding a shield. Unfortunately, the heads of these female figures were destroyed over time. It is these figures that gave the structure its name, Kiztap.
The column itself is made of granite and sits atop the decorated base. It features a white Corinthian column capital and the remnants of a statue’s base. However, the bronze statue of Emperor Markianos, which once stood atop the column, has disappeared over the years Visit Bulgaria.
Inscriptions and Reliefs
An inscription in Latin on one side, although partially eroded, indicates that the column was erected by Tatianus Decius in honor of Markianos. On the other three sides, there are reliefs depicting a wreath made of bay leaves, with the monogram of Prophet Jesus embedded within them. These reliefs add to the historical and religious significance of the structure.
