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This striking bird's-eye view of La famosa Città de Costantinopoli (modern-day Istanbul) is a 16th-century Venetian engraving, attributed to Donato Bertelli, that vividly portrays the city at the height of the Ottoman Empire. The perspective offers a comprehensive and highly detailed depiction of Constantinople, capturing its topography, key architectural landmarks, and bustling maritime activity in the Sea of Marmara.  

The view meticulously details Constantinople’s key structures and fortifications. The famed Hagia Sophia stands prominently, marked as Santa Sophia, with its immense dome and surrounding buttresses clearly defined. The Topkapi Palace (Arsenale) occupies a strategic position overlooking the sea, reflecting the city’s status as the imperial capital of the Ottomans. Churches, mosques, and public buildings are depicted in remarkable detail, each labeled and arranged in a semi-accurate topographical layout.

The city's ancient walls—first constructed by Constantine the Great and later expanded by Theodosius II—are visible, encircling the urban core. Multiple gates, including Porta d’Anton and Porta del ferro, are identified, illustrating points of entry and defense. The Golden Horn, a natural harbor that contributed to the city's maritime strength, is depicted with ships of various sizes and designs actively engaged in trade and naval operations. 

A dominant feature of the view is its focus on maritime life. Numerous ships, ranging from Ottoman galleys to European merchant vessels, populate the surrounding waters. The Isol dette principe, a reference to the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, is depicted in the lower left corner. These islands were historically significant for their use as places of exile and retreat.

The compass rose at the center reinforces the nautical theme and serves as a navigational reference for sailors and merchants. The detailed representation of ships underscores the importance of Constantinople as a pivotal hub for Mediterranean trade and naval power during the 16th century. 

This map exemplifies the Venetian tradition of combining cartography with artistic embellishment. By the mid-16th century, Venice had emerged as a major center for mapmaking and publishing, driven by its strategic position in Mediterranean trade and its rivalry with the Ottoman Empire. This depiction of Constantinople reflects Venetian fascination with the East and the city’s role as a cultural and commercial crossroads.