Event—Adult Education

Istanbul Was Constantinople: A Cultural History from Byzantium to Now

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So take me back to Constantinople...

General view of Constantinople, about 1865–1875. Photo by Abdullah Frères [Studio] (Armenian, active 1860s-1890s). Source: Getty Museum Collection, 84.XC.979.831.

Class Description

This class is full, but you can still register for the waitlist on Learning Stream.

Delve into the rich tapestry of Istanbul's history, from its legendary foundation to its vibrant present. We will journey through the city's evolution from Byzantium, exploring its strategic role as a beacon of trade between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We'll immerse ourselves in the splendor of Constantinople, the heart of the Byzantine Empire, unraveling its architectural marvels like the Hagia Sophia and the Theodosian Walls, and its profound religious significance as the epicenter of Eastern Orthodoxy.

Transitioning to its Ottoman era, we'll witness Constantinople's transformation into a cosmopolitan hub under the Ottomans, highlighting its artistic and cultural renaissance. Modern Istanbul’s eclectic blend of tradition and innovation will be our final focus, illustrating the city’s enduring influence on global culture. Through lectures, visual presentations, and discussions, this course illuminates Istanbul’s indelible impact on the world, making history come alive in its bustling streets and majestic skyline.

Nina Wieda is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University. Her MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University and PhD in Slavic Literatures from Northwestern inform her interest in the cultural history of Eurasia. A native of the Caucasus coast just across the Black Sea from Istanbul, she has also taught at Middlebury College.

Materials List

No Required Materials

Cost and Registration

6 Sessions, $270 ($243 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

We now offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($270), Community Supported ($255), and Sponsor ($285). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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Call us at (312) 255-3700 or send us an email at adulteducation@newberry.org.

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