World Glasses [12]The City Where the Empire Strikes Back
I am always grateful for the good fortune of being born and raised in Istanbul. The city was once known as the capital of two empires: Byzantine and Ottoman. Now it is the heart of the Republic of Turkey. Divided by the Bosphorus Strait, one side is Europe, the other Asia. Every day, I commute across continents from my home in Asia to my office in Europe. When work ends, I cross the continent again to return home.
What's fascinating in Istanbul is witnessing the former empires beginning to reclaim the city, now hidden beneath modernity. The veil of modernity is being lifted, revealing history peeking through.
The first republican government sought to erase the Ottoman legacy. It overthrew centuries of monarchy through revolution, finally establishing a sound democracy. Yet the government later adopted a tradition-focused stance, reminding us of the heritage our ancestors left behind. Now, Ottoman influences are everywhere—in architecture, decoration, music, art, television programs, and even diplomatic activities.
In recent years, the TV series "Magnificent Century," starring an Ottoman emperor, has been hugely popular. It recorded viewership ratings exceeding 50% among households with middle-class or higher incomes. It became a mega-hit, exported and sold to over 45 countries, spanning Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Iran. The empire was revived on the screen.
In 2004, authorities began work on laying an undersea railway. This railway would connect both the European and Asian sides of the city beneath the sea. As soon as construction started, big news broke: the historically renowned Port of Theodosius was discovered on the seabed. Archaeological investigations lasted three years, forcing the project to be postponed. However, the findings proved to be of unimaginable value. The city's history could now be traced back 8,500 years. Neolithic artifacts, 35 boats, and treasures discovered underwater are now permanently displayed in the city's Archaeological Park.
The DNA of this city carries the legacy of past empires. Exhausted after a full day of emails and meetings, I board a boat to cross the Bosphorus. The purple petals of the European dogwood glow in the sunset, reminding me of Byzantine ruins and treasures. The petals greet me from the ruins of history.
When the future begins to move, in Istanbul, the city where I live, the empire always strikes back.
(Supervised by: Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network Business Division)
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
Newsletter registration is here
We select and publish important news every day
For inquiries about this article
Author
Ersel Serdarli
Drive Dentsu Inc. (Turkey)
He began his career in 1997 as a junior copywriter at a leading foreign advertising agency in Turkey. He worked on national campaigns and became Creative Director in 2004. He then moved to the United States to study video production and creative writing. In New York and New Jersey, he also engaged in musical activities with various groups. Returned to Turkey in 2006, working at multiple advertising agencies. His book 'Copywriting', published in 2008, is used in writing classes at eight universities. Joined Drive Dentsu Inc. Network in 2009. In his personal life, he is a father of three and a renowned songwriter in Turkey.