This red granite obelisk is the oldest monument in Istanbul, originally carved for Pharaoh Thutmose III around 1500 BC at the Temple of Karnak. Emperor Theodosius I brought it to Constantinople in 390 AD and erected it on the spina of the Hippodrome, where it still stands in Sultanahmet Square. The obelisk once rose 30 meters but lost its lower section during transport, now standing at about 19 meters on an ornate marble pedestal. The base reliefs are fascinating in their own right, depicting Theodosius in his imperial box presenting victory crowns to chariot race winners, with musicians and dancers below.