Istanbul - a History Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ligos

It is also sometimes spelled Lygos. The city was founded sometime between the 13th and 11th centuries BC by Thracians, a tribe that lived mostly in South Eastern Europe. Very little of the original Ligos can still be seen today, except for some of the city walls.

Answer: Septimius Severus

Severus invaded the city as punishment for siding with his rival Pescennius Niger, who also claimed title of Roman Emperor. Severus easily claimed the city and renamed it Augusta Antonia, although it was quickly changed back to Byzantium. Under Roman rule, Byzantium would flourish and it would eventually be made into one of the most powerful cities in the world.

Answer: A Jewish temple

When it was built in 532-537 (rebuilt 558-562 following an earthquake) it was originally a (pre-Schism) Orthodox church. It then became a Roman Catholic cathedral when Constantinople was captured during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. By 1261, it was reverted back to a Greek Orthodox cathedral when the Byzantines retook Constantinople. It was then converted into a mosque when the Ottomans invaded in 1453. It remained mosque even after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. In 1935, it became a museum and remains that way today.

It should be noted that the current structure is not the original, but actually the third, begun in 532. The two previous ones burned down prior to the reign of Justinian.

Answer: Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace a lavish complex and palace that was famous for mass gatherings and events that took place there. Among the buildings on site including a mint, shops and stalls, bakeries and magnificent courtyards. The palace has been renovated several times after fires and earthquakes badly damaged it over the centuries.

The Tokapi Palace ceased being the seat of Ottoman Sultans in 1856 when the Dolmabahce Palace was used instead. Today, the Topkapi Palace is a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Answer: Mimar Sinan

Mimar Sinan is credited with building and designing over 300 historical buildings in Istanbul, most of them mosques. Sinan is sometimes referred to as "the Michelangelo of the Ottoman Empire". In addition to his own accomplishments, his students included Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who designed the Taj Mahal, and Mimar Hayruddin, who designed the Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Answer: Turkish bath

It was designed by Mimar Sinan to be the most beautiful bath in the city. Today, Cemberlitas Hamami is a popular bathhouse for students as it is relatively inexpensive for being such a historic site. The men's pavilion is located on the historic side, while the women use a newer section but designed to look like the old.

Answer: Greeks

The Constantinople Massacre was in retaliation for the beginning of the Greek War of Independence, in which Greece would win its independence from the Ottoman Empire. Almost immediately after the war broke out, the Ottomans began attacking Greek citizens within Constantinople. Several prominent Greek citizens were executed, including Gregory V, the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Greek Church.

The massacre was strongly condemned all over the world as it was seen as an attack on Christianity.

Answer: The Armenian Genocide

The Hunchakians were Socialist activists who advocated the violent overthrowing the Ottoman government. They were convicted in mock trials and hanged on June 15 1915. This event is considered part of the Armenian Genocide, something the Turkish Government continues to deny. The genocide saw between 800,000 to 1.5 million Armenians killed or displaced.

Answer: Beyazit Square

Beyazit Square is also called Freedom Square because of the activities that often take place there. The Bloody Sunday of 1969 was a left-wing protest against the military regime that was ruling Turkey at the time. The Beyazit Masscre occurred in 1978 when seven people died when Grey Wolves, a right-wing political group, bombed Istanbul University.

Answer: Occupy Wall Street

In addition to the rights stated in the question, the protests also demanded a free media, the ban of chemical weapons against protestors and fair elections. The protests ultimately led to strained relations between Turkey and the European Union, which cautiously supported the protestors. Also, the Turkish government began censoring the internet and many social networking sites were blocked.

The Occupy Wall Street Movement was a protest against the influence wealthy individuals and corporations have on American politics and government. Once the movement caught on in cities other than New York, it was simply called the Occupy Movement.