Tag: Kiztaji

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 ga