Highlights
Basilica Cistern Restoration Completed!
The restoration of the Basilica Cistern, which was announced in March, ended in July. After 1500 years, the Basilica Cistern underwent a comprehensive restoration for the first time and fascinates those who see it in its final form. Let's first take a look at the history of this historical place, which is the 3rd most visited place by tourists.
Basilica Cistern History
Built in 532 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the structure has survived all these years of history and has become one of the most important historical points of Istanbul today. It was built to meet the water needs of the palace at the time it was built, and for this reason, it is still possible to see certain puddles of water inside the cistern today.
It is known that the water of the cistern comes from the Belgrade Forests and the water is transferred to the cistern through arches over 1000 meters between Eğrikapı and Taksim in the forest. In 1453, with the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, the Basilica Cistern came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Water from the cistern was also used to irrigate the rose gardens of Topkapı Palace.
Where is Basilica Cistern?
We have already mentioned that the Basilica Cistern is one of the most visited tourist attractions. So where is this Basilica Cistern? In fact, it is exactly where the historical sites gather, between the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque.
Address: Yerebatan Caddesi, Alemdar Mahallesi, 1/3 34410 Sultanahmet/ Fatih
Information on Basilica Cistern Restoration
The restoration of the Basilica Cistern, which was open to visitors during the restoration, was completed under IBB Kültür AŞ. On its website, the details of the restoration were announced.
Entrance and exit areas were organized: The entrance and exit gates of the cistern were restored. Due to the small size of the entrance gate, visitors had to wait in a long queue and this had a negative impact on tourist visits. Accordingly, the entrance area was covered with a glass canopy and a suitable waiting area was created for visitors. The exit gate was also restored in the most appropriate way depending on these factors.
The walking platform was renewed: Due to the water leakage from the ceiling of the cistern to the walking platform, especially during the winter months, these parts were also waterproofed. The reinforced concrete platform was removed and replaced with a platform made of more modern materials.
Concrete columns were removed: The columns inside the building were restored especially for reinforcement. Apart from the columns, the walls and vaults were also restored for the same purpose. Previous interventions that are not in accordance with the building's technique will also be regulated.
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