
In his history ‘ Constantinople
- City of the World’s Desire, 1453-1924’, Philip Mansel charts the interaction between the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital & its ruling family. Mansel’s portrait captures the intriguing colour of Constantinople which, for almost five centuries, was the playground of a dramatic & oftentimes depraved dynasty, & a city whose racial & cultural diversity made it a prime example of both cruelty & tolerance.