Qin Hongyuan
Journey to Turkey, XXIII
**A Walk Through Time**
In Istanbul, the weight of history and the prosperity of modern times are intertwined into a moving picture. I walked through the streets of this ancient city, and every step felt like I was stepping on the echoes of history.
Today, I'm going to take you into the twenty-third chapter of Journey to Turkey and explore those fascinating monuments.
We walked through the bustling streets to Sultanahmet Square, just across the wall from the Blue Mosque. Once home to the ancient Roman Colosseum, Sultanahmet Square is now a witness to history, a bearer of culture, and a center of lingering for tourists.
In the square, there are three ancient monuments, which are like guardians of time.
1. The first thing that catches your eye is the Obairiskk Obelisk of Theodausis, which has stood for more than 3,500 years and has witnessed countless sunrises and sunsets.
On the base of the obelisk, the figures on all sides come to life, as if to show us the victory and glory of the ancient Egypt pharaoh Thutmose III.
Second, I was attracted by a bronze snake pillar, which is a column body twisted by three bronze snakes, and there were originally three snake heads supporting a golden bowl at the top, but now only half of the pillar remains, and the snake head and the golden bowl have long been lost in the long river of history.
3. Finally, I came to the Obelisk of Constantine, which was built by King Constantine VII in memory of his grandfather, and the only memorial stone built here by the natives themselves.
In short, the old racecourse no longer exists, replaced by a street park, full of tourists and bustling. I take a break here and feel the precipitation of history and the vitality of modernity.
Afterwards, we strolled to the periphery of Hagia Sophia, my last stop in Turkey. During this trip, I not only saw the historical relics, but also felt the blending of cultures. Istanbul, the ancient and modern city, tells one immortal story after another in its unique way. And I, on the other hand, have the privilege of being a listener to these stories.
Write a seven-word poem today
Impressions of Istanbul
The charm of the ancient city is still there, and the history is long and walking.
The monuments reflect each other, and the story continues for thousands of years.
I walked through the streets of this ancient city, and every step felt like I was stepping on the echoes of history.
Come to Sultanahmet Square, which was once home to the ancient Roman Colosseum.
The Obairiskk Obelisk of Theodausis, which has stood for more than 3,500 years.
Pattern of the base of the obelisk.
There is an owl motif.
A snake pillar twisted from three bronze serpents, with three snake heads at the top supporting a golden bowl.
The Obelisk of Constantine is the only monument built by the locals themselves.
Wash your hands at the kiosk, where they have to clean their hands when they pray.
Hand washbasin.
Hagia Sophia.
Fountain in front of Hagia Sophia.
Take a different angle and take a different view of the fountain in front of Hagia Sophia.
Day or night, it's the perfect place for people to relax and enjoy life.
City tram.
I don't know what the name of this monument is.
I don't know what the name of this pillar is.
The police.
The police.
Shoot the cat.
Capture.
Roadside ornaments.
Editor: Yan Jingping "White Waves"