Right in the center of Istanbul, just next to the T1 tram line, lies a very unusual historical site. It consists of a collection of ruined fragments from former structures. One day, as I was walking by, I became curious about what used to stand here. It turns out that more than 1,600 years ago, this area was home to the Forum of the Bull (Forum Tauri, Forum of Theodosius). Today, I’d like to show you what remains of this place.
The Forum of the Bull: The Largest Square in Constantinople
In the past, the main street of the city, called the Mese, passed through this area. It connected several public squares, one of which was the so-called Forum of the Bull. According to one source I found, this was not only the largest square in Constantinople, but also the largest such structure in the entire ancient world.
The Forum of the Bull was designed after Trajan’s Forum in Rome. The term “forum” once referred to a place where important public events took place. This particular forum got its name from a statue of a bull that once stood in its center.
In 393, the forum was rebuilt and renamed after Emperor Theodosius. Its boundaries nearly matched those of today’s Beyazıt Square. The forum had two main features: a column reminiscent of Rome’s Trajan’s Column, and a large triumphal arch. Travel guides suggest that statues of Theodosius and his sons likely stood atop the arch.
Today, all that remains of the forum are ruins—the site was destroyed after the city fell under the control of the Ottoman Empire. Now, this open-air museum features fragments of columns, entablatures, and other architectural elements.
The building located behind this park of ruins is also quite notable. It is believed that the structure known as Şımkeshane is one of the first buildings erected in the city after the conquest of Constantinople.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to reach the ruins is by tram. As I mentioned above, the T1 line runs right past the site. This popular tourist route stretches from Dolmabahçe Palace to a square in the western part of the city. To see the remains of the ancient structures, get off at either "Beyazıt" or "Laleli" tram stops.
If you'd like to continue exploring Istanbul’s past, head to the nearby “Çemberlitaş” stop. There you’ll find the Column of Constantine—another historical landmark of the city.
Have a nice trip!
