It is estimated that there were more than 100 underground cisterns in Constantinople during the Byzantine period. These cisterns were built to provide a reliable water supply for the city’s residents and for various buildings, such as palaces and public baths. However, many of these cisterns have been lost or destroyed over time, and only a few of them have survived until today. The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern, is one of the most well-known and well-preserved examples of these underground structures.
The amalgamation of light cascading on the water, the quivering reflections of the columns and shoals of ghostly carp with classical music is an unworldly sight. –GoTürkiye
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Underground Cistern, was built in the 6th century AD during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Its construction took place between 532-542 AD and it was completed in a relatively short time, within a period of about 10 years. Historical texts claim that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. No wonder why it didn’t take so long – shame on you Romans!
The cistern was built to provide a reliable water supply for the Byzantine Palace of Constantinople, which was located nearby. It was one of many underground cisterns built in the city during the Byzantine period, but it is the largest and most well-known of them.
ETYMOLOGY
Basilica Cistern has many names: “Yerebatan Cistern”, “Yerebatan Palace”, “Underground Cistern”, “Subterranean Cistern” or “Subterranean Palace” are only some of them but the prevailing name has to be Basilica.
While there are different theories about the origin of the name “Basilica Cistern,” the most commonly accepted one is that it was named after the Stoa Basilica, a large public building that used to stand in the same location during the Roman period. The Stoa Basilica was a monumental structure built by Emperor Constantine I in the 4th century AD and used as a courthouse and commercial center. Over time, the building fell into disuse and was eventually demolished, and the Basilica Cistern was constructed in its place.
Another theory suggests the name comes from Ilius Basilica who led the reconstruction after a fire in 476.
BYZANTINE PERIOD
During the Byzantine period, the Basilica Cistern was used to provide water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill. For almost a millennium, the cistern played a crucial role in providing a steady water supply to the city, especially during times of drought or siege. It was also used as a public water source for the citizens of Constantinople.
There are several notable moments and anecdotes related to the Basilica Cistern during the Byzantine period:
- During the Nika Riots in 532, the cistern was used as a temporary dungeon to hold and torture rebel prisoners.
- In 860, the cistern was damaged by an earthquake, and the Byzantine Emperor Basil I had it repaired and expanded.
- During the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Latin Crusaders who captured Constantinople are said to have used the cistern as a stable for their horses.
- In the 14th century, during the reign of Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos, the cistern was repaired and several new features were added, including an inscription in Greek commemorating the restoration work.
OTTOMAN PERIOD
The Ottomans famously took over the city in the year 1453 and they continued to utilize the cistern. In the year 1545, a European traveler and antiquarian named Peter Gyllius who traveled extensively in the Ottoman Empire, wrote a book about his travels, which included a description of the cistern and its features. Gyllius’ account helped to bring the cistern to the attention of European scholars and travelers and contributed to its later restoration and preservation.
Luckily 1545 also coincided with Sultan Suleiman‘s long and illustrious rule, which provided an abundance of resources at the time and the cistern was properly restored. From then on, the Ottomans began to use The Basilica Cistern as a water source for the Topkapi Palace and other imperial buildings.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the cistern continued to be used as a water source, as well as a place for people to gather and socialize. It became a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and was often used as a venue for events such as concerts and poetry readings.
In the 19th century, the cistern fell into disrepair once again, and was used as a dumping ground for garbage and sewage. However, in the second half of the 20th century, the cistern was cleaned up and restored to its former glory. It has since become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul, with visitors coming from all over the world to marvel at its stunning architecture and mysterious atmosphere.
RESTORATION THAT STARTED IN EARLY 60S
The restoration project, which was initiated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in the early 1960s and supported by the then Minister of Culture of Turkey, İhsan Sabri Çağlayangil, aimed to preserve the original architectural features of the Basilica Cistern and make it accessible to visitors.
The restoration process began with draining the cistern’s water, followed by cleaning centuries of accumulated mud and debris. Structural repairs were then made, including the restoration of the cistern’s columns, walls, and ceiling. Modern features were also added during the restoration, such as a wooden walkway for visitors and new lighting. The budget of the restoration project is not known, but it was financed by the Turkish government at the time and took heaps of time to complete, finishing in the late 1980s. The restoration took nearly three decades whereas the original construction took only one.
LET’S TALK PHYSICAL
The cistern is made up of a large open space of 138 meters in length and 64.6 meters in width. It has a capacity of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. For Americans, that is 452 feet in length and 212 feet in width. It has a capacity of holding up to 21,133,764 gallons of water. Oh, sweet Americans… 🙂
The cistern has a total of 336 columns that are 9 meters tall and arranged in 12 rows of 28. Each column is topped by a Corinthian-style capital, which supports the brick arches that form the ceiling. The columns were salvaged from various ancient structures, and it is estimated that some of them date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
The cistern’s floor is made up of raised walkways, which allow visitors to walk around the structure and view the columns up close.
One of the most notable features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads, which are placed at the base of two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern. The heads are believed to have been brought from a pagan temple and are thought to have been used as column pedestals.
Another interesting feature of the cistern is the Hen’s Eye column, which is named after a small hole in its base that is said to resemble the eye of a hen. The column is believed to have been used for divination purposes during the Byzantine period.
Overall, the Basilica Cistern is a remarkable engineering feat that has stood the test of time. Its columns and arches create a mesmerizing atmosphere, and its historical and architectural significance make it a must-see destination for visitors to Istanbul.
SO HOW DID THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE OF CONSTANTINOPLE WORK?
The water infrastructure in Constantinople relied on a sophisticated system of aqueducts, cisterns, and pipes to supply water to the city’s residents. The aqueducts brought water from sources outside the city walls, such as the Belgrade Forest and the hills of Thrace, and transported it into the city through a series of underground channels.
Greeks built the original aqueduct system that supplied Byzantium with fresh water in the 5th century BCE and it consisted of a single channel that was made of terracotta pipes and stone-lined channels and supported by a series of pillars.
After the Romans conquered Byzantium in 73 BCE, they built several new aqueducts to supplement and improve the existing system. The construction of a more advanced water supply system for the city of Byzantium began under the emperor Hadrian (reign 117 – 138 CE). The real mind-blower was the Valens Aqueduct, which was built in the 4th century CE and remained in use until the Ottoman conquest in 1453. The Valens Aqueduct was a massive structure, consisting of over 900 arches and running for nearly 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the hills near the Black Sea to the city of Constantinople.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER
The water was stored in various cisterns located throughout the city, including the Basilica Cistern and the Binbirdirek Cistern, and in all likelihood, a hundred others. From there, the water was distributed through a network of pipes made of clay, lead, and stone, which delivered it to public fountains, baths, and private homes.
Lead pipes in Constantinople’s water infrastructure caused toxicity to spread through the city. While the Byzantines may have used lead pipes in their water infrastructure without the benefit of modern scientific understanding, the decision to add lead to gasoline in the 20th century was made despite ample scientific evidence of the metal’s toxicity.
The distribution system was regulated by water officials who were responsible for ensuring that the water was fairly and equitably distributed to all residents. In addition to supplying water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, the system also provided water for irrigation, industrial uses, and firefighting.
Overall, the water infrastructure in Constantinople was a remarkable achievement of engineering and technology, and played a critical role in supporting the city’s growth and prosperity.
Other notable cisterns in Istanbul
In addition to the Basilica Cistern, there are two other notable cisterns in Istanbul that were built during the Byzantine period and can still be visited today:
The Binbirdirek Cistern
The second largest cistern in the city, located a stone throw’s away from Basilica is The Cistern of Philoxenos, also known as the Binbirdirek Cistern. It is an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering, a subterranean reservoir situated in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, between the Forum of Constantine and the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
Despite its rich history and fascinating architecture, the cistern remains relatively unknown to tourists and was surprisingly empty on a recent visit on May 6th, 2023, despite the area being bustling with visitors.
The only time when Binbirdirek Cistern is visited is when there is an event there. It is unfortunate that such a remarkable site is not receiving the attention it deserves, as it is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by those who seek to delve deeper into Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
Entrance Fee: 200 TL (About 10 Euros or Dollars)
The Theodosius Cistern
This cistern is located near the Yedikule Fortress in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century AD and is believed to have been used to supply water to the nearby palace complex. The cistern has a rectangular shape and is supported by 32 columns. It is much smaller in size than the Basilica Cistern, but still contains several interesting features, such as a well-preserved section of the original roof.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BASILICA CISTERN
The Basilica Cistern is considered an important cultural and historical landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It represents the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering and architecture, and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. The cistern has also been featured in various works of literature, art, and popular culture, further cementing its significance in the city’s cultural identity.
In addition to its historical and cultural value, the cistern also serves as a popular tourist attraction and an important source of revenue for the local economy, which has really not been doing so well lately.
Here are some tips for travelers visiting the Basilica Cistern today:
- Dress appropriately: The Basilica Cistern is a historical site and visitors are expected to dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Basilica Cistern has a wooden walkway, but it can still be slippery and uneven in some areas. Wearing comfortable shoes will help you navigate the cistern more easily.
- Bring cash: While credit cards are accepted at the ticket office, it’s always a good idea to bring cash with you in case of any technical issues.
- Consider a guided tour: A guided tour can provide you with a deeper understanding of the cistern’s history and architecture. English-language guided tours are available for an additional fee.
For specific company suggestions, consider reading our articles Istanbul Private Tours and Istanbul Group Tours
- Visit at off-peak hours: The Basilica Cistern is quite popular, so consider visiting during off-peak hours (early in the morning or late in the afternoon) to avoid long lines and crowds.
- Be respectful: Remember that the Basilica Cistern is a historical site and should be treated with respect. Avoid touching the columns or disturbing the water, and be mindful of your noise level.
- Take your time: The Basilica Cistern is a unique and fascinating attraction, so take your time to explore and appreciate its beauty. The walkway can be slippery in some areas, so take your time and watch your step.
