The Grand Vizier Crossing the Atmeydanı (Horse Square) 1720 - 1737

Jean Baptiste Vanmour captured this image of "The Grand Vizier Crossing the Atmeydanı," or Horse Square, in oil paint. The scene is dominated by the imperial procession, led by the figure of the Grand Vizier. Yet, it is the architectural symbols that truly capture our gaze, particularly the towering minarets flanking the Yeni Mosque. These minarets, reaching towards the heavens, echo similar forms found across cultures and throughout history. From the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia to the obelisks of Egypt, these vertical structures represent a connection between the earthly and the divine. The dome of the mosque, too, carries a weight of symbolism, reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon and the Hagia Sophia. Consider how such motifs recur in different contexts, acquiring new layers of meaning. The emotional power of the image resides in the harmony and the visual language of power that these symbols exude, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols that progress in a non-linear, cyclical fashion, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across time.