ΔΙΕΡΜΗΝΕΥΤΟΥ
“Of Luke Notaras, the Interpreter.”
This was Lucas Notaras, who subsequently became Grand Duke, and was the most prominent citizen of Constantinople in the catastrophe of 1453. When he executed these repairs he held the office of interpreter, or dragoman, under the Emperor John VII. Palæologus, in carrying on negotiations with Sultan Murad.[[654]] The office had, naturally, come into existence owing to the frequent diplomatic intercourse between the Byzantine Government and foreigners, and was of great importance and distinction. In the reign of Manuel Palæeologus it had been held by Nicholas Notaras, the father of Lucas Notaras.[[655]]
The second inscription stood on a tower between Koum Kapoussi and Yeni Kapou. It commemorated repairs executed in 1448 at the expense of the celebrated George Brankovitch, Despot of Servia.
† ΑΝΕΚΕΝΙΣ
ΘΗΝ ΟΥΤΟΣ
Ο ΠΥΡΓΟΣ ΚΑΙ
ΚΟΡΤΙΝΑ Υ
ΠΟ ΓΕΩΡΓΙ
ΟΥ ΔΕΣΠΟΤΟΥ