I am currently writing Vampire Khan. An early scene takes place in Constantinople, and so I have had to research what it was like in the 13th century. As you would expect, there is an enormous amount of information available, from long and detailed descriptions to art work.
This video is a slideshow of some really quite beautiful architectural-style drawings reconstructing many of the principle monuments and buildings. What a truly stunning city it once was, epitomising classical architecture. The order and harmony of the design stands in opposition to the chaos and disorder of the world beyond the empire. This is what civilisation looks like.
Please check out the artist’s website and appreciate these truly wonderful images individually.