In the heart of Istanbul lies a marvel of Byzantine engineering - the Basilica Cistern, locally known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, which translates to "Submerged Cistern." Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, this underground water reservoir is a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Constantinople. Beyond its historical significance, the Basilica Cistern captivates visitors with its mysterious atmosphere and enigmatic beauty.
The Basilica Cistern is more than just an ancient water reservoir; it is a place where history, architecture, and legend intertwine to create a mystical experience. It serves as a reminder of Istanbul's rich past, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and artistry that have defined this city through the ages. For those who venture beneath the city's streets, the Basilica Cistern offers a journey into the depths of history and the heart of mystery.
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Architectural Wonder Beneath the City
The cistern is an expansive underground chamber, approximately 138 meters in length and 65 meters in width, capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water. It is supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows. These columns, salvaged from ruined temples and public buildings across the empire, showcase a variety of Corinthian and Ionic styles, creating a forest of stone beneath the city's streets. The cistern's ceiling is a remarkable feat of engineering, made possible by the use of a thick layer of waterproof mortar, illustrating the sophistication of ancient construction techniques.
A Place of History and Legend
The primary purpose of the Basilica Cistern was to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings in the city's vicinity, playing a crucial role in the daily lives of the Byzantine capital's inhabitants. However, over the centuries, it has also been shrouded in legend. It is said that the cistern was forgotten for centuries, only to be rediscovered in the 16th century when an Ottoman scholar heard tales of residents fetching water by lowering buckets through holes in their basements.
Among the cistern's most famous features are the two Medusa head columns at the northwest corner. These columns, repurposed as column bases, feature the head of Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology, placed upside-down and sideways, respectively. The reason behind this orientation is a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from practical considerations to symbolic gestures intended to neutralize the Gorgon's petrifying gaze.
A Mystical Attraction
Today, the Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions. Its dimly lit, cool corridors offer a respite from the city's bustling streets, inviting visitors into a world that seems frozen in time. The sound of water droplets echoing off the ancient stone, the soft illumination highlighting the columns and their reflections on the water's surface, and the carp swimming lazily in the shallow waters all contribute to the cistern's otherworldly ambiance.
Music concerts and cultural events are occasionally held in the cistern, taking advantage of its unique acoustics and atmosphere. These events breathe contemporary life into this ancient structure, bridging the gap between past and present.