The emperors and the sultans who once ruled empires out of Istanbul are long gone, but have left many beautiful reminders of their rich culture and lifestyle. The domed mosques, high-walled churches and regal palaces from the era of the sultans are a testimony of their royal aesthetic sense and a window to the glorious past. And the passage to this past is through the many doors — old and new, big and small, intricate and simple — that are found everywhere you go in this ancient city.
As you walk around Istanbul, it is hard not to notice the distinct styles of doors that are prevalent in the city. Like an urban time machine, Istanbul transports you to the heart of three great empires — the Eastern Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman.
Like a prologue to a book, doors to Greek and Roman monuments, Byzantine forts and churches and Ottoman palaces and mosques prepare your mind for what to expect from the city.
Istanbul is layered with architectural marvels and the entrances to all these brilliant structures are a work of art by themselves. Islamic inscriptions in Ottoman-style calligraphy, Hellenistic patterns carved on marble and flamboyant designs of flowers, fruits and cypresses mark the entrances to breath-taking buildings, while gateways to common houses and shops stand out for their minimalistic and monochromatic nature.
Some doors are embossed with monograms of sultans and others are surrounded by blue and white Iznik tiles; many are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, marble and glass embellishments and a few are simple gilded grills.
Travellers come to Istanbul for baklava or for the view of Bosphorus, but if you are ever in the city, do take a moment to admire the doors.
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