Obelisk of Theodosius

This is located in Sultanahmet Square near the Serpent Column. It's very well preserved and worth taking a look at. It's one of the few remaining ancient Egyptian obelisks left in the world.

One of the first things you see as you walk into the Sultanahmet Square. Theodosius is a huge historical landmark. The monument is estimated to be around 3,500 years old.

The obelisk celebrates the victory of Tuthmosis III over the Mitanni in 1450BC. It originally stood in Egypt, but was transported to Constantinople by Theodosius I, where it was placed in the hippodrome. This was where the wildly popular chariot races were held, and was the site of the Nike riots, that threatened to overthrow the Emperor Justinian at one point. The obelisk has seen a lot of history.

If you are on the hippodrome then definitely worth stopping to admire it. It’s well preserved. But don’t make a special detour.

The height, architectural beauty and superb environs enthrall you! A must visit on a tour of Istanbul.