Obelisk of Theodosius

Jutting out of Istanbul’s Hippodrome, the Obelisk of Theodosius stands as a striking reminder of ancient history. Originally erected at the Temple of Karnak in the 15th century BC, this obelisk was transported to Constantinople in AD 390 by Emperor Theodosius I. Once a centerpiece of the ancient Hippodrome’s horse-racing track, the obelisk now rises from a public square, its hieroglyphs and polished surface still drawing the eye. Visitors today can admire its enduring presence, a tangible link to the city’s rich past.