Istanbul's Ottoman-era binek stones preserve historical transport heritage

The “binek stones” of Istanbul, functional architectural elements from the Ottoman era, serve as a fading reminder of the city’s historical transportation culture. Designed to facilitate mounting and dismounting horses or horse-drawn carriages, these stones were typically built at the same height as stirrups.

Historically, these stones were positioned along routes used by sultans, dynasty members, and high-ranking officials, as well as in front of the residences of notables. Surviving examples can be found at various historical sites, including Hagia Irene, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Fatih Mosque, and the Süleymaniye Mosque Tomb Gate.

While some stones appear as steps and others as monolithic blocks or column fragments, their utility declined with the introduction of modern transport such as trams and trains. Dr. Kubilay Arpacı of Istanbul Medeniyet University notes that these elements were practical solutions for daily needs in an era where horses symbolized prestige and authority. Today, many of these artifacts remain largely unnoticed amidst the city's modern density.