History and Importance of Istanbul’s Cisterns

Istanbul stands out as one of the most important cities in the world with its historical and cultural richness. The cisterns built to meet the city’s water needs are an important part of this richness. The historical cisterns of Istanbul are not only engineering marvels, but also of great importance for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Let us now examine in detail the main historical cisterns in Istanbul and the characteristics of each one.

The Importance of Istanbul’s Historical Cisterns

Istanbul’s historic cisterns are not only engineering marvels built to meet the city’s water needs, but also important historical structures that shed light on the past. These cisterns reflect the sophistication of water engineering and urbanism of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Moreover, these structures play a major role in the preservation of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Today, these cisterns, which have been restored and brought into tourism, offer both local and foreign visitors the opportunity to get to know the history and culture of Istanbul closely.

The historical cisterns of Istanbul continue to contribute to the cultural and historical fabric of Istanbul as important structures that witness the history of the city and have survived from the past to the present. These cisterns are of great architectural and historical value and offer a unique experience to their visitors.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of the best known and largest cisterns in Istanbul. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. The cistern is located southwest of Hagia Sophia and the name “Basilica” comes from the fact that when you enter the cistern, it feels as if you are sinking into the ground.

The Basilica Cistern is 143 meters long and 65 meters wide. Supported by 336 columns, this cistern has a water storage capacity of 100,000 tons. One of the most remarkable features of the cistern is the Medusa head sculptures. How and why these statues were placed in the cistern is still a mystery. Today, the Basilica Cistern offers visitors a fascinating atmosphere with its walkways over the water and impressive lighting.

Binbirdirek Cistern

Binbirdirek Cistern is the second largest cistern in Istanbul and belongs to the Byzantine period. It was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantinus I. It takes its name from the 224 columns supporting the cistern and this is how the name “Binbirdirek” came to be known among the people over time.

This cistern is 64 meters long and 56 meters wide. The columns, each 14 meters high, are arranged in two rows on top of each other. The cistern was used as an important water source during the Byzantine period. Today, it hosts various events and exhibitions.

Theodosius Cistern

Theodosius Cistern is located in Şehzadebaşı neighborhood in Fatih district of Istanbul. It was built in the 5th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II. The cistern is 45 meters long and 25 meters wide and is supported by a total of 32 columns.

Theodosius Cistern was used as an important water reservoir during the Byzantine period. The water collection capacity of the cistern is estimated to be approximately 4,000 tons. Today, the cistern, which welcomes its visitors in its restored state, attracts attention with its Byzantine architectural details and atmosphere.

Nuruosmaniye Cistern

The Nuruosmaniye Cistern is located in the Grand Bazaar district of Istanbul, near the Nuruosmaniye Mosque. It was built in the 18th century during the Ottoman period. This cistern is smaller than the Byzantine cisterns and is about 30 meters long and 12 meters wide.

Nuruosmaniye Cistern was built to meet the water needs of the mosques and complexes around it. The cistern draws attention with its architectural features belonging to the Ottoman period. Today, a part of the cistern is open to visitors and it is a structure that impresses its visitors with its historical atmosphere.