Dikilitaş

Istanbul’s heart holds an ancient monument reaching toward the sky in Sultanahmet Square. This monument is a colossal stone made of pink granite known as the Obelisk of Theodosius. Have you ever wondered how this massive stone arrived here? Let us embark on a mysterious journey thousands of years into the past!

A Long Journey from Egypt to Istanbul

This obelisk is not native to this region but was brought from far away—from Egypt. Around 3500 years ago, it was commissioned by the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III for the sun god. The Roman Emperor Theodosius I had this colossal stone transported by ship to Istanbul and erected it in its current location in the Hippodrome in 390 AD. Transporting the stone from Egypt to Istanbul was a remarkable achievement for its time.

Mysterious Carvings on the Obelisk

At the base of the obelisk is a marble pedestal. On this pedestal you can see Emperor Theodosius with his family and children. The carvings depict the emperor watching the thrilling chariot races and games held in the Hippodrome. Additionally, on all four sides of the stone are ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and inscriptions.

Height and Color of the Obelisk

This magnificent monument is carved from a single piece of pink granite and stands approximately 18 meters tall. Including its marble base, its total height reaches nearly 25 meters. It is known that the stone was originally even taller, but part of it was shortened during transport. Thanks to its color and durability, it has remained upright for thousands of years.

⏳ Time Travel

Let us travel back to the year 390! At that time, grand chariot races were held in Istanbul, and the public gathered before this obelisk to enjoy the festivities.