Abstract:

Located on the coasts of the strait detaching two continents, Asia and Europe, are separated through the “Bosphorus”, a narrow sea passage, Istanbul has always been one of the most important cities of the world since ancient ages due to its unique position. Having a history of over 8000 years, Istanbul has been a significant center of trading ever since the initial years following its foundation on this strategic district where the land embraces the sea. This city was once a capital of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, three important world civilizations. Surrounded by city walls of Roman ages and positioned on seven hills, Istanbul is adorned with churches, mosques, palaces, other antique buildings and monuments belonging to the mentioned ages of civilizations. Natural stones of varying origins were used for purpose of coating, support and decoration on inner and outer spaces of historical buildings in Istanbul. The stones used in these buildings mainly used to be supplied from nearby districts; however, stones in a large spectrum of colours and patterns were also supplied from abroad for major structures e.g. Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, etc. and Ottoman social complexes e.g. Süleymaniye, Sultanahmet etc. . Marmara marble, Bakırköy küfeki stone, Hereke conglomerate pudding stone and Kestanbol granite within the country are among the most important of these miscellaneous natural stones, in addition to coloured natural stones such as red Aswan granite, ancient red porphyry and green conglomerate pudding stone of Egypt, ancient green porphyry and serpentine breccia of Greece, larvikite of Norway and red Verona marble of Italy from abroad. This study focuses on geological characteristics of natural stones used in some significant antique buildings and monuments on Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, their origins and places of use, and commentary on their state of conservation

Keywords: