Talismans, which are a relic of ancient beliefs; They are objects that are thought to protect their owner from evil and provide power, energy or some benefits. These objects, which are believed to have magical properties, are made for many different purposes. At the same time, there are many types of talismans that reflect the beliefs of societies and the geographies they live in. Many talismanic structures have been erected to protect Istanbul, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history and is one of the important cultural centers.
It is told that the talismanic structures in Istanbul were built by the first founders of Istanbul. These works, mostly made during the Yanko and Constantine eras, were believed to protect Istanbul from evil, epidemics and invasions. Especially during the Byzantine Empire, many talismanic monuments were erected in Istanbul. It is told that there are 17 of these structures mentioned in Evliya Çelebi’s Travel Book.
These talismanic structures described by Evliya Çelebi are as follows:
1- Arcadius Column,
2- Cemberlitas,
3- Meridian Column (Maiden’s Stone)
4- Six High Columns Found in Six Marbles
5- Picture of a Mosquito on Six Marbles
6- Picture of a Stork in Six Marbles
7- Picture of a Rooster on Six Marbles
8- Picture of a Wolf in Six Marbles
9- A Civan (Young Couple) Column in Six Marbles
10- One Old Couple Column in Six Marbles
11- Plague Pillar
12- Sparking Column
13- Koncolos Cave
14- Hagia SophiaThe Four Angel Pillars in
15- Knitted Column
16- obelisk
17- Twisted/Serpent Column
History and Features of Çemberlitaş
The Çemberlitaş Column, also known as the Burnt Column or the Column of Constantine; It was erected in 330 in honor of Emperor Constantine I. The monumental column is located in one of the seven hills of Istanbul, in the district now called Çemberlitaş. It was removed from the Temple of Apollo in Rome by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine I and erected in its present location. It was believed that this column protected Istanbul from evil, natural disasters and diseases.
The column with a total length of 57 meters; It was formed by placing 8 columns, each weighing 3 tons and 3 meters in diameter, on top of a pedestal. The fact that the rocks weighing tons are placed on top of each other without the slightest break is considered a magnificent craftsmanship. The stones called “red porphyry” used in the construction of the column were very difficult to work with at that time. This stone, which is another type of granite, is considered as a “sacred stone”. Even at that time, women believed that they were blessed when they gave birth in rooms made of this stone.
When the column was first built, there is a statue of Apollo on it. However, Emperor Constantine I had this statue destroyed and had his own statue erected in its place. Later, statues of Byzantine Emperor Julianus and Theodosius were placed on the column. After the statue was destroyed by a hurricane in 1107, a large cross was placed on it by Alexios I. After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the cross was lowered.
This structure, known as the “Apollo Column” during the Ottoman period, suffered a great fire and its marbles were damaged. It was known as the “Burnt Column” after the fire. Between 1695 and 1704, Sultan II. The walls were strengthened by Mustafa and iron circles were built around it. For this reason, its current name is known as “Çemberlitaş”.
The Sacred Treasure Under the Çemberlitaş
In a room under Çemberlitaş, which is one of the leading works of Istanbul’s Roman period, Hz. It is said that the holy relics of Jesus Christ are buried. According to this information, the accuracy of which cannot be proved definitively, the sacred objects are Hz. It was brought from the tomb of Jesus, which is supposed to be in Jerusalem. The first work on this subject, Hazerfan Hüseyin Çelebi, was mentioned in his book “Kitâb-Mülk”, which he wrote in 1670. In the book where the secrets of Çemberlitaş are mentioned, it is told that the treasures are in a room under this stone.
Among the items brought from Jerusalem during the reign of Emperor Constantine I; Hz. It is said that the holy soil belonging to the tomb of Jesus, original cross pieces, nails, bowl and bread crumbs were found. At the same time, St. A stone belonging to the Prophet Moses, Hz. The staff of the Prophet Lot, Hz. Noah’s ax and Hz. It is said that the Prophet Solomon had a seven-branched candlestick.
According to some historians, the subject of the treasure under Çemberlitaş is included in historical documents. According to what is told, Constantine I sent his mother Helen to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, St. The tomb believed to be the Prophet Jesus was opened and the relics in it were brought to Istanbul. The brought relics are in a small room created inside the main plinth of Çemberlitaş, which is 2.5 meters high. These relics were placed in the cell by Constantine’s mother Helen, BC. It is mentioned in documents written in the 340-400s.
There are also those who say that the subject of finding holy relics under Çemberlitaş is nothing but a legend. According to the legend told; During the Crusades, a campaign was started for the soldiers to join the army. According to the campaign launched, under Çemberlitaş, Hz. It is rumored that the holy chalice of Jesus Christ is found and that whoever drinks from this chalice will attain immortality. In this way, the subject of the items found under the Çemberlitaş Column has spread as a legend and has survived to the present day.
Many attempts have been made throughout history to reach this treasure that is supposed to be found. During the occupation of Istanbul in 1918, a group of priests came from the Vatican and dug tunnels to reach the holy relics. They reached the main base with the tunnel they dug, but were caught and deported. According to belief; No one will be able to reach the holy relics under Çemberlitaş until the apocalypse.
