Constantinople : Istanbul's historical heritage /

This richly illustrated and thoroughly researched book takes the reader through the history of a fascinating city. As the capital of two great empires, Constantinople occupied a strategic political position between the West and the East for centuries and inspired artists from both cultures to create works of the very highest quality. All major cultural treasures of the city are described here, from the masterpieces of the early Christian period to the magnificent palaces and mosques of the Ottoman era and the architectural achievements of the nineteenth century. -- Back of cover jacket.Translation of Constantinople, de Byzance á Istanbul.Includes bibliographical references and index.This richly illustrated and thoroughly researched book takes the reader through the history of a fascinating city. As the capital of two great empires, Constantinople occupied a strategic political position between the West and the East for centuries and inspired artists from both cultures to create works of the very highest quality. All major cultural treasures of the city are described here, from the masterpieces of the early Christian period to the magnificent palaces and mosques of the Ottoman era and the architectural achievements of the nineteenth century. -- Back of cover jacket