During my December 2009 visit I found excavations had been going on to the West of the St. Irene Church. I ran into the archaeologist in charge, Dr. Ferudun Özgümüş, who explained that part of what you see here is a former church of the Bishop of Byzantium.

He also indicated he’d love to show you more, or rather: dig more, so I might show more, but that funding was a constant problem. So if any of my viewers could help him? He’s on the Advisory Board for the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture year, so his pedigree is impeccable.

You here see the outside wall of the Topkapı complex, behind the door digging material was stored. On the next pictures we’ll be peering in the hole of the excavations.