Constantinople, late XIX-th - beginning of the twentieth century

Today it is called Istanbul, but at the beginning of the last century, this city was known as Constantinople. With the sunset of the Ottoman Empire, the city lost its status as the capital, but still remains one of the main towns of Eurasia.

In our collection you'll see photos of Constantinople was made in the late nineteenth century. The end of the XIX-th century is characteristic of Constantinople clear trends in European culture. In a speech more often heard the French language, and the type of clothing more like a traditional European dresses. New developments also affected architecture. In the city there is a growing number of buildings in the Rococo and Baroque. Constantinople is growing rapidly, and in its streets there are first trams. Also opened the first subway line, and the city at the Bosporus connects the railway line to Paris. It would seem, Magnificent Century Ottoman Empire exhausted and hopeless future ahead. That was not the case. Over time, in Constantinople, updated water system and put into operation a modern power system. And all this is happening against the background of the loss of spheres of influence in Southern Europe, and the final overthrow of the coming reign of six centuries monarchs. Contrary to expectations and the great past, Constantinople lost political force. At the same time, consolidating its status as the metropolis that connects the two parts of the world - Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Strait, as before, remains a key transport corridor. It was later, in 1923, the capital of Constantinople move to Ankara. In the picture in front of you is still the capital still great Ottoman Empire. Ordinary life, ordinary residents of the city. Without embellishment and inventions. Most of the images dated 1900-10 years.