567 years ago, on May 29th, 1453, Constantinople—capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire since 330 A.D.—was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. For Greeks, it is often remembered as a day of loss and reflection. For the Turkish people, it marks a significant moment in their national history.
The city, originally named after Emperor Constantine the Great who established it as the new capital of the Roman Empire, stood for over a millennium as the largest and most influential city in Europe. Its significance was such that it was simply referred to as “The City” (Η Πόλη / Polis) by those who lived in and around it.
Interestingly, the modern name “Istanbul” is believed to have evolved from the Greek phrase “εις την Πόλιν” (pronounced is tin Polin), meaning “to the City”—a testament to the deep historical layers that continue to shape the identity of this remarkable place.
