Basilica Cistern: Journey to the Mysterious Depths of History
The Basilica Cistern is one of the most fascinating buildings in Istanbul. This unique structure is located in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district. The Basilica Cistern is one of the most important tourist attractions of Istanbul, attracting both local and foreign visitors.
History and Importance of the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532. Hidden under the historical peninsula of Istanbul, this gigantic water reservoir was built to meet the water needs of the Byzantine Empire. This cistern, which met the water needs of the Imperial Palace, known as the “Great Palace” during the Byzantine period, and other important buildings around it, was designed as a strategic solution to meet the water shortage of the city.
The cistern is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide and covers an area of about 10,000 square meters. This massive structure has a storage capacity of approximately 80,000 tons of water, making it one of the greatest engineering marvels of the period. The cistern was part of a network that transported water to the city via the Melen and Taksim waterways and served as Istanbul’s main water supply for a long time.
One of the most remarkable features of the Basilica Cistern is the 336 columns inside. These columns are about 9 meters high and were used to support the ceiling of the cistern. These columns, each in different styles, were brought from ancient buildings from the Roman and Byzantine periods and reused here. The columns include Corinthian, Doric and Ionic, giving the cistern both artistic and historical depth.
The cistern was used for centuries from the 6th century onwards. However, during the Ottoman Empire, when the city began to meet its water needs through more modern means, the cistern fell into disuse and was long forgotten. During the Ottoman period, the Basilica Cistern was rediscovered and used as a water reservoir from time to time. However, after losing its original function, the cistern remained a dark and damp warehouse for a long time. In the 1980s, the Basilica Cistern was brought to tourism with a comprehensive restoration work and today it has become one of the most visited historical sites in Istanbul.
The water inside the cistern, the high humidity and the dim lighting create a mystical and impressive atmosphere. As the reflections of the columns move as if dancing on the water, the fascinating beauty of this ancient structure is further revealed. The Basilica Cistern offers a unique experience for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the historical fabric of Istanbul. Visitors to the cistern can feel the splendor of Byzantium and how this splendor has survived for centuries.
Mystery and Legends
Sultanahmet Basilica Cistern attracts attention not only for its historical value but also for the mysteries and legends it contains. The Medusa heads in the cistern are one of the most well-known of these legends. It is still not known exactly for what purpose and how the Medusa heads were placed here. These two heads were used as the bases of two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern. Interestingly, one of these heads is lying on its side while the other is inverted. This has led to various theories.
According to one theory, the Medusa heads are a pagan artifact and were placed in the cistern by the Byzantines to ward off evil spirits and protect the structure. This theory is also linked to the mythological story of Medusa. Medusa is known in Greek mythology as a monster who turns people to stone with her gaze. It is thought that the Byzantines may have used this mythological figure here to protect the cistern.
Another theory is that the Medusa heads were a kind of artistic reuse. During the ancient Roman period, stones and statues removed from different buildings could be reused as building materials elsewhere. In this context, the Medusa heads may also have been brought from elsewhere and used as column bases. However, it is not clear why one was placed upside down and the other on its side. This is an element that attracts the attention of visitors and adds a mystical atmosphere to the cistern.
Another mysterious element of the Basilica Cistern is the fish swimming on the water inside. These fish have been living in the depths of the cistern for centuries and have become part of its natural ecosystem. Visitors are drawn to the mystical atmosphere of the cistern as they watch these fish floating under the dim lights. The exact reason for the fish’s presence here is unknown, but it is thought that they may help maintain the purity of the water.
Finally, another legend about the area where the cistern is located is that Emperor Justinian could not pay the salaries of the workers during the construction of the building and that the workers cursed the building by placing the heads of Medusa here. This legend further reinforces the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the cistern.
The Basilica Cistern is not only an engineering marvel, but also a structure that offers clues to Istanbul’s rich and diverse cultural past. In this mysterious and legendary place, visitors are taken on a deep journey into Istanbul’s past.
Visit Information and Sultanahmet District
The Basilica Cistern is located very close to Sultanahmet Square. This means that visitors to the cistern can also easily visit other historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Sultanahmet Basilica Cistern is open to visitors every day of the week. However, it is advisable to go early in the morning as it receives a lot of visitors, especially during the summer months.
The Basilica Cistern is a fascinating structure with its history and architecture, located in the heart of Istanbul. A must-see for anyone visiting the Sultanahmet area, this cistern offers a unique opportunity to witness the rich history of the city. Protecting our historical and cultural heritage will further increase the value of this unique structure. By visiting the Basilica Cistern, you can experience the mysterious and fascinating atmosphere of Istanbul.
