Istanbul: Queen of the Cities

Istanbul, as the cradle of civilization, has witnessed a thousand years of history, and it has been home to a rich variety of nations. Istanbul as a soul of Turkey, is a source of inspiration for novels, stories and scientific investigations. Istanbul is the city which has held the title of capital city with its strait for great civilizations and has hosted several beliefs and traditions of many people for ages. Historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul holds the personal belongings of Mohammed, Wand of Moses and according to a hearsay, holy Cross of Jesus is also in Istanbul. There are some important predictions of Nostradamus on Istanbul. There are famous myths on Istanbul as well. Napoléon Bonaparte said, “If there was only one country in the world, its capital would be Istanbul.” During the ages, rulers of the nation, religious authorities, and prophets all said that Istanbul would be more famous and important than the other cities in the future and many of the rulers of the nations had a strong desire to conquer this “Queen of Cities”.

In 330 the Roman emperor Constantine had consulted the muneccims (astrologers) to ask where to make his new city.  There are countless stories about predictions on Istanbul. According to archaeologist & author Nihan Azizlerli who wrote a novel on Istanbul predictions, Byzantine society developed a particular curiosity for the oracle and predictions. One of the oracle written on Pillar of Arcadius is in Cerrahpasa. The other Prophetic Pillar is in Beyazit but it is almost collapsed. Byzantine society believed that prophetic visions would occur when you concentrate on the symbols on the Pillars. The city became a center of attraction with the pillars and monuments during the period of Byzantine. These sculptures were said to indicate the future fortunes of the city. Evliya Celebi also emphasised on the importance of these enchanted pillars. In the book of Azizlerli, an important prediction attributed to Prophet Valentius (served to Emporer Constantine) came true about Istanbul: “This city and throne belongs to you and your generation, until the ships overland!” Fatih Sultan Mehmet -the Conqueror- conquered Constantinople and brought an end to the Byzantine Empire. During the siege of Constantinople, the city surrounded by sea and land, Mehmed transported his warships overland. A Byzantine prophet predicted that Conqueror of Istanbul woud be the seventh emperor of his generation. Emperor Constantine was the last seventh emporer when the Byzantine Empire was collapsed and Fatih Sultan Mehmed was the seventh Sultan when he conquered Istanbul!

In addition to these predictions, there is one more famous prophet called Mustak Baba. He also had some important predictions about Istanbul. Mustak Baba got the attention of the world when he revealed a mystery in the Suleymaniye Library. He obscured his quatrains and poems, including symbols, metaphors and purposely-misspelled words. It is quite obvious that he wrote these poetic oracles in order to warn the world and Turkish society for upcoming dangerous events. Mustak Baba predicted that (even the word of Ankara was not in use) after many wars and convulsions, Ankara would be the capital city of Turkey. Experts on symbols state that Mustak Baba used very precise expression and dates about his prophecies. In his new studies of symbol expert Serhat Ahmet Tan, he analysed the predictions of Mustak Baba and he gives some important information about the shift the capital city from Ankara to Istanbul in 2012. According to the predictions, it was said that Istanbul would be the capital city and Ankara would become a border city. In the prophecy analysis of the Tan, it was meant that Istanbul would be a capital city as in the era of Ottoman Empire and Ankara would become a border city of Turkey. According to Tan, Turkey would shift the capital city from east to west when a danger comes from East. Additionally, political conflict would rise between Turkey and Israel after this change of location and Turkey would attack North Iraq at the end of 2011.

All these prophecies and ongoing political & social events around Turkey led me to write an article with short astrological analysis for one of the respective magazines called “Yeni Aktuel”. This interview offer made me to analyse the astrological chart of Istanbul in great detail since Istanbul has been selected as the “2010 European Culture Capital” and Istanbul gets more attention than before…

ASTROLOGICAL CHART OF ISTANBUL

In Astrology, one of the most crucial aspects is correct availability of a birth time, so when I started to study on astrological chart of Istanbul, I chose the date of 11 May 330 as the official opening date of the city since Emporer Constantine made Byzantium the new capitalof the Roman Empire. Official opening hour of the city is given as 16.00 on  www.astrotheme.comwhich serves as a great archive of countries, institutions and people. At this given hour, Sign of Libra is rising. Official establishment of Istanbul resonances with Sign of Libra which symbolizes beauty, elegance, refinement, charm, fashion, art, luxury, cooperation, socialization, companionship and peace. Such qualities are naturally fit with aura of Istanbul!

In the chart of Istanbul, Libra is rising and South Node is located very close degree to ASC and Sun’s dispositor Venus is in conjuction with great benefic planet Jupiter in Cancer in which Jupiter is exalted and Venus is trigon lord. Venus and Jupiter are in feminine & fertile sign of Cancer and located very close to MC that clearly explain us why rulers of the nations and religious authorities were keen to conquer Istanbul for ages. Venus and Jupiter are defined as benefics in classical astrology and their conjuction in Cancer indicates luck, abundance and wealth. Their conjuction in Cancer in the 9th house which is strongly related with beliefs and different cultures explains why people from different cultures and beliefs lived in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere in Istanbul. Conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453 gave the old city an entirely new cosmopolitan social structure. There were many religions, cultures and ethnic identities have lived together peacefully. Istanbul is a city of synthesis which realizes in an atmosphere of tolerance the uniting of the East and the West on the subjects of culture, art and religion. Libra Ascendant and Venus & Jupiter conjuction in Cancer in the 9th house are perfect match for evidence.

In the chart of Istanbul, Moon in Leo is located in the 10th house which reminds us nickname of Istanbul: Queen of the Cities. This location reflects the dominant feminine energy field of Istanbul that marks this city as quite unique among the other contemporary cities. This symbol also indicates strong, dominant female figures/leaders. In the nearest future, especially in 2012-2013, Moon degree will be supported with harmonious Uranus transit, thus Istanbul may become both politically and strategically important city with rising popularity on the world stage. Additionally, strong female figures, organizations, parties and associations may stand in the forefront.

Muneccims (Astrologers) and prophets who made important predicitions on Istanbul, all said that Istanbul would become more important and famous city in the future. Based on the horoscope of Istanbul, looking more closely at astrological indicators show that this predicition would come true in the nearest future: Key period starts in 2013!

Jupiter is retrograde from August 31, 2011 to December 26, 2011. When Jupiter turns to its normal state, it will start to move towards Sun degree of the horoscope of Istanbul. Jupiter is associated with luck, opportunities, growth, expansion and wealth. In 2012 spring, Jupiter will move to Sun degree in the 8th house that represents financial relations with foreign sources/countries. That would indicate possible increase on incoming profit and popularity of Istanbul. One of the disadvantage of this transit could be on the theme of exaggerated expenditures. This transit may create exaggerated expectations and excess. Thus, Jupiter transit may cause unpredictable fluctuations in the stock and financial markets because Jupiter likes risk taking attitude. More importantly, when Jupiter passing through Sun degree, it will activate T-square of Sun-Saturn-Neptune and that may eventually cause up and downs in financial markets. I will give more information about the timing of economical turbulances in the following parts of my article.

Cultural Activities, Tourism and Increase in Foreign Trade

In the second half of the year, transiting Jupiter will be passing through the 9th house which is related to international trade, foreign affairs, education and cultural activities. Mercury-Mars conjuction in Gemini in the 9th house indicates intense cultural & commercial activities, active communications, high level of energy and an urge to get quick results. By the entrance of Jupiter into Gemini; there would be an increasing profits in the export,  educational & cultural activities and media. In fact, these effects are underway at the present. Transiting saturn in Libra, is making harmonious angle to Mercury-Mars conjuction in the chart of İstanbul. In these terms, wemay expect positive developments in these areas. Important export agreements would be signed. Turkey would be on the agenda of the international media more than before.

Later, when Jupiter enters the sign of Gemini, Istanbul may get more popularity and significance in the international political arena. In the chart, Mercury in Gemini is strong in its own sign, and because of the strong influence of Mercury, there may be considerable adaptability & mental activity and increase in foreign affairs, communication, intellectual activities, international festivals, conferences, seminars, symposiums in Istanbul. Istanbul is also among the exceptional cultural centers in the world, so by the strong influence of Mercury, Istanbul may hosts world famous speakers, public figures and artists from all over the world. Beside this, these are the best times for the tourism industry in terms of advertising and public relations. Between the dates of 2012-2013, efficiency of transportation and communication networks may be improved.

Era of Restructuring

As Saturn moving through in Libra, Saturn is also passing over Libra Ascendant in the chart of Istanbul. Saturn transit on ASC marks the start of a new cycle, new responsibilities, new acitivities and restructring of life. Our outlook on life changes to a more serious, responsible tone. In these periods, new decisions should be inevitably taken that will empower ourselvesby letting go of old, self limiting attitudes and beliefs. Istanbul is undergoing a serious period that will eventually lead us to make important decisions. At the same time, transiting Pluton in Capricorn is crossing the fourth house cusp (IC), making a slow and ongoing opposition aspect to natal Venus/Jupiter. Ultimately it is likely to be a time of transformation for the better. The role of transiting Pluto here seems to be to remind us to transform the very structure of the society. Nowadays, this phenomenon called “Urban Transformation”. After Saturn moved into Libra in 2009,  many weak slum houses and old buildings in Istanbul are being constructed and transformed into new and modern buildings by these urban projects.

Moreover, Pluton transiting IC is connected with digging deep, debris and excavations. During this period, important information on the roots or origins of this ancient city would be reached as a result of some specific excavations. Marmaray Project is being developed to offer new spaces to meet and to increase the life–quality based on easier accessibility to a multiplicity of urban services. Istanbul now faces a transportation problem that began many years ago and continues today, and Marmaray (subway and rail link) projects were created to solve. The cultural treasures brought to light in the excavations during the Marmaray project, have made a significant contribution to Istanbul’s cultural history. It would not be wrong to think that new archeological discoveries are on the way. Metaphorically, we are in the period of transforming who we are deep inside and finding an internal source of power.

At the Peak of Prestige

According to the Solar Return chart of Istanbul, between the dates of May 2012- May 2013, Sun-Jupiter conjuction is located very close to MC indicates that Istanbul would get more popularity and importance and would be on the agenda of the world more than before.

Period of accomplishment, prestige and popularity will last a long time. In the second half of the 2013, transiting Jupiter will be passing through the Venus/Jupiter conjuction in Cancer which is the luckiest location of the horoscope of Istanbul. This is called Jupiter Return in astrology. From this period of time, Istanbul will be about to embark on a rising period and will be at the peak at the end of the summer in 2013. In mundane astrology, Istanbul is one of the cities that is being ruled by sign of Cancer. Eclipses that took place in Cancer in 2009, 2010, 2011 have affected the popularity of Istanbul in a positive way and increased the importance of Istanbul and speeded up this process. In the second half of the year of 2013, transiting Jupiter will be moving into Cancer and will give momentum to this process. By this transit, Istanbul will be on the agenda of both Turkey and the world. I think that, in the near future, Istanbul will become a very important center in global interactions in terms of political, strategical, economical social, cultural and especially spiritual.

According to astrological indicators, Istanbul seems to experience a restructuring period which will be supported with Saturn in Scorpio, hence Istanbul could become a special intersection point for the current government. Saturn is connected with rules, regulations and laws. Saturn will be transiting on the Sun degree of the chart of Turkey and in this period, Istanbul, with its geographical position and regional influence, may become a unique source of some kind of special implementations. At this point, an interesting detail got my attention: In the chart of the conquest of Istanbul (29 May 1453, at 12:00), Sun 16 degrees in Gemini partile conjucts with South Node. This indicator seems very meaningful astrologically. It explains inevitable fate of Istanbul: Sun symbolizes commanders, sultans and kings; South Node reflects past life experiences. Sun & South Node conjuction falls on the Mars degree in the chart of the establishment of Istanbul (11 May 330). Mars is connected with conquests in astrology. As an irony of fate, Fatih Sultan Mehmet was to be the one to conquer Istanbul!

This astrological combination reminds an important reference is made to the prospective conquest of Constantinople in an authentic hadith, attributed to a saying of the ProphetMuhammad. “Verily you shall conquer Constantinople. What a wonderful leader will he be, and what a wonderful army will that army be!” This is such a touchy hadith! At present, South Node is moving through Gemini by creating a kind of dejavu, like the flow of time from past to future. South Node is approaching the same position at the time of conquest of Istanbul which seems predestined.  This sensitive point indicates that Istanbul would get specific importance in the world history again. On October, 10, 2011, transiting South Node will reach the exact degree as it had happened during the conquest of Istanbul. Doubtless to say, destiny is beginning to unfold!

More interestingly, Saturn was also passing through Libra when Istanbul was conquered. What is more, Saturn was passing over Libra at 24 degree on the chart of Turkey. This is an important connection! Transiting Saturn will reach this degree on November, 19, 2011. In these terms, November may become important month for both Istanbul and Turkey. Around this date, Turkey may be in the position to take critical and vital decisions and may take important steps which may affect the border countries and the region. After that, Saturn wil move backwards from 24 degree in Libra. When Saturn return in direct motion at this degree, Mars will be with Saturn. This date is 15 August 2012. Between the dates of November 2011 and August 2012, we may think that Istanbul may become a part of some important national & international related events. Even more, military related issues may rise, especially since Mars degree in the chart of Turkey gets effective transits in this period. The days around New Moon on 27th of September 2011 effets this Natal Mars and indicates very active times militarily.

According to the statements of AK Party, Istanbul seems vitally important for the current government. Interestingly and fatefully, as the chairman of the Justice and Development Party Justice (AK Party or AKP), which holds a majority of the seats in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan previously served as Mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998.

I need to compare their charts in order to gain deep astrological assesments.

Deep Connections of AK Party with the Chart of Istanbul

When I saw that Libra was rising and Venus & Jupiter conjuction in Cancer in the chart of Istanbul, I decided to have a look at the chart of AK Party for synastry. I already know that there were strong connections between these two charts. But I needed to check out the degrees of planets.  As I thought,  Jupiter degrees of both chart are on conjuction.

What a surprise! There were many fated connections between them. Degree of North Node of AK Party, which is strongly associated with future goals and missions, falls on the exact degree of Venus in the chart of Istanbul. There are some more connections as well. Moon degree of AK Party falls on the exact Mars degree of Istanbul and Saturn degree of AK Party falls on the exact degree of Mercury of Istanbul. Sun degree of AK Party falls on the degree of Saturn of Istanbul. I experienced one more time that nothing is coincidence and everything is predestined. As a summary, Istanbul is very important city for AK Party and AK Party will be remained concentrated in the Istanbul region. They regard Istanbul as a significant strategic center for their administration. Istanbul may be get more and more importance for AK Party by passage of time. Although Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, AK Party may think to shift it to Istanbul. In the near future, astrological indicators show that this theme may come up to surface.

Years of Economic Difficulties

Based on the astrological data, I predict that mainly USA and many European countries will undergo serious global economic turbulances in 2014. I think that Turkey will be less affecting from this financial crisis but Turkey, especially Istanbul will also go through economic turmoil. In 2014-2015, transiting Saturn will be forcing the T-square of Sun-Neptune-Saturn which are located in the cusps that represents finance in the chart of Istanbul. The T–square is a difficult combination of aspects as it indicates the need to overcome many obstacles. I also predict that USA would undergo overlapping serious economic crisis on April, 2014. Economic crisis could spred across Europe and Turkey. In that period, Turkey will be getting difficult Saturn transits that will eventually cause economical turbulances. Especially Istanbul may have hard times…

T-square of Sun-Neptune-Saturn which are located in the cusps that represent financial themes in the chart of Istanbul obviously makes this city hard to live in. Sun in Taurus urges to gain material wealth, security and stability, but its hard angle with Saturn causes difficult life conditions to survive and hard work to make money and to succeed. Stressed angle between Sun and Neptune may disappoint many people who have an unrealistic idealisation & expectations about this glamourus city. Many people are being attracted by magnetic powerful atmosphere of Istanbul. Some people migrate Istanbul from the other cities by dream of becoming rich. Many of them are not able to make enough money to survive, so they feel disappointed and then, they need to go back their homeland.

In the chart of Istanbul, transiting Uranus and Pluton will make stressed aspects to Venus-Jupiter conjuction in 2012-2013 just before 2014. It indicates possible economic turmoils. In 2014, economic crisis may ruin current economic systems in order to transform it for the better. In 2014-15, economic systems may be collapsed, and in 2016 economic balances may changed and this will eventually mark a great shift. After 2016 and at the end of the 2017, Istanbul may become an economic and politic power in the region and Turkey, within the rapidly changing political, economic and social atmosphere, will obviously develop powerful charismatic image in the region.

Planetary contacts and influences warn us that current economical systems are in the process of transformation, and all economic systems in the world are also going through this slow and ongoing transformation process. The world’s premier economies are all in recession.  This process is not a matter of a short period of time. Neptune is  in Aquarius until Jan 4, 2012 then it will again move forward through Aquarius and on Feb 3, 2012 it will again re-enter Pisces. That symbolizes dissolution of the materialistic and exploitative economic systems. When Neptune entered into Pisces in 1848, feudal systems were collapsed. When Neptune moved into Pisces on April, 4, 2011, Jupiter and Saturn which are used to be known as the significators of social trends, were in opposition. That means we are in the phase of collapse of the capitalist systems. We witnessed that great Saturn-Jupiter conjuction in Taurus gave rise to materialism. At the present, they are in opposition that means excessive materialistic tendencies are being tested. Pluto’s movement into Capricorn in 2008 and the movements of the other planets highlight the reality that the old system of capitalism is slowly disintegrating!

Materialism has exercised enormous influence in the world. Human civilization, which has formed degeneration fields with all its institutions and structures, is now on the threshold of the great transformation. As Neptune’s energy filters through Pisces there will be a great transition and dissolution of materialistic&corrupted & degenerated and rigid values, egos, beliefs, powers, forms, systems and economies of the world. Neptune is a great indicator of spiritual and moral values. Transiting Neptune will be moving through in the very important cusp-10th house- of the chart of Turkey that signifies the contribution of high level of spiritual knowledge & energy of Turkey to humanity will be starting to come to surface by the end of the February, 2012. In the near future, image of Turkey may take a mystical and spiritual form. Istanbul seems to have a spiritual mission for unifying the humanity. Istanbul is getting ready for becoming a focus of spiritual developments that may lead us to go through a new collective spiritual reality.

Capital of Civilization: Istanbul

Neptune will be transiting in the first degrees of Pisces, will also support Venus-Jupiter conjuction with harmonious angle. This angle shows that Istanbul will get significance not only politically and financially, but also with spiritual themes. Movement of Neptun through important cusp of the chart which started in 2011 and will become to make visible effects at the end of the February in 2012. That indicates spiritual energy will be intensified within the aura of Turkey. Turkey may be regarded as a mystical country. In 2012 Saturn will be move into Scorpio and Neptune into Pisces indicate that in this transition period Turkey may play a major role in the world scene. Solar Eclipse that will take place on November, 14, 2012 will have a great impact on the future of Turkey. During the eclipse, transiting Saturn will be on the Sun degree and eclipse degree will fall on the midpoint of Venus-Jupiter in the chart of Turkey. They all show that Turkey will take new and big responsibilities in this transition period.

For sure, all these ongoing developments will not finish at once. This period will last between 2012-2025. But especially in 2012-2013, I think that Istanbul will rise as a cultural and spiritual center and may become a popular place among spiritual leaders, teachers and educators. All these developments will be synchronized with time of realizing the inner spiritual potentials of many people. For me, Istanbul will become one of the important center of the civilization that will trigger new way of spiritual dimension in the evolution of conscioussness. Everything is only the reflection of the last preparations for the Supreme Leap and Transformation.

Solar Eclipse which took place on January, 4, 2011 and was seen from Turkey. In the eclipse chart of Istanbul, Ascendant was in the last degrees of Pisces. At the same time, Jupiter and Uranus were also on the east horizon. Sabian symbol of Jupiter-Uranus in Pisces at 28 degree says ” a fertile garden under full moon.” Projection of this conjuction falls on Istanbul. It indicates that Istanbul as a soul of Turkey would become a fertile center for new energies. This allocation shows us that Istanbul would have a vision of guidance. This significant solar eclipse reveals opportunites for realizing inner essence of İstanbul and Istanbulites. Jupiter-Uranus conjuction in Pisces on ASC during the eclipse may symbolize spiritual development, high level of spiritual energy, wisdom, urge to get rid of old structures, looking for freedom, regeneration, reforms and rise of creativity.

Istanbul may stage remarkable events in the near future and we may find out what is hidden inside. The real heritage of Istanbul is not material wealth. This heritage is something spiritual. Turkey is a mystic country in which where great evliyas, saints, sages and mystics lived. Transition of Neptun in Pisces may trigger to reveal this mystic quality. According to my researches, for the period of 2012, Turkey and especially Istanbul have a special significance and meaning for all the world. This ancient city is one of the spiritual centers of the civilizations which is being born.

When I was comparing the charts of Turkey and Istanbul, a connection caught my eye. In the chart of Istanbul, Uranus is in Pisces at 9 degree falls on the South Node degree of Turkey. As I have mentioned before,  South Node is associated with past life experiences, history, roots, genetic inheritances, impact that our ancestors have on us, predestined connections and events. The South Node indicates what we are comfortable with, the lessons previously learnt and brought into this life to help overcome the challenges we are to face in this life. Beside this, Uranus is Great Awakener. Uranus is often felt to work disruptively, breaking down attitudes or situations which have become imbedded or fossilized. It creates self awareness and it does it by creating unexpected events. There’s a saying for Uranus:”Expect the unexpected.” This atrological combination shows that Istanbul would play a role as a powerful catalyst for this spiritual awakening of Turkey. Impact of Uranus in Pisces would to serve to spiritual evolution of humanity to transform the consciousness of all souls. <span style=”margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0