Cosimo Comidas de Carbognano (?-?) was a catholic Armenian, interpreter and minister of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in Istanbul. In addition, he authored a grammar of the Turkish language. This work includes views of monuments in Istanbul and its surrounding area. His drawings are simple and rudimentary, with simple lines, but nevertheless constitute an invaluable source on mosques, aqueducts, walls and other landmarks of the city.

Written by Ioli Vingopoulou

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  Map of Marmara sea.

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  Map of Istanbul and surrounding area.

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  The castles of Europe and Asia The Rumelian (1) and the Anatolian (2) castle, on the European and the Asian coast of the Bosporus. 3. The location of Sweet Waters of Asia.

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  The convergence of Bosporus and the Black Sea seen from Tarabya on the European coast of the Bosporus. Also shown is the position of Anadolu Kavağı (1) and its quay (4), Yoros Castel or Genoese Castle (2) and the structures added to the castle by the Ottomans (3), the Castle of Sultan Murad IV (5) and finally the European coast of the Bosporus.

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  Title page.

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  The Tower of Leander in Istanbul.

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  View of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

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  Gül Mosque in Istanbul, often said to be on the site of the Byzantine Monastery of Saint Theodosia; however, to date the location of the latter remains unverified.

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  The Obelisk of Theodosius I (on the left) , and the Serpentine Column, from the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, at the Byzantine Hippodrome of Istanbul.

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  View of Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.

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  The Porphyrite Column at the Forum of Constantine, today Cemperlitas Square, Istanbul.

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  The column of Marcian in Istanbul.

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  View of the Golden Gate at the walls of Istanbul.

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  View of the mosque of Suleiman I in Istanbul.

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  View of New Mosque in Istanbul.

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  The mosque of Mehmed II (Fatih mosque), Istanbul.

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  The Mosque of Selim I, Istanbul.

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  Nuruosmaniye mosque, Istanbul.

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  Galata Tower, Istanbul.

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  The Imperial Armoury at Tophane, Istanbul.

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  View of Prince islands: 1. Kınalıada (gr. Proti) island 2. Heybeliada (gr. Chalki) island. 3. Büyükada (gr. Prinkipos) island 4. Sedefada (gr. Antirobythos) island.

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  View of Prince islands: 1. Burgazada island (gr. Antigoni 2. Kaşık island (gr. Pitta).

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  The aqueduct of Mahmud I at Petra (today Bahceköy), Istanbul.

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  Kemerburgaz aqueduct at Kemerburgaz, Istanbul.

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  Uzunkemer aqueduct near Belgrade forest, Istanbul.

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  Dam at Belgrade forest, Istanbul, most probably Velide Dam.

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  The catholic monastery of Saint Benedict (Church of Saint Benoit) at Galata, Istanbul.