BUILDING ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST: BASILICA Cistern

 

As T-COD Architecture, this week we will tell you about the Basilica Cistern, an important structure that reflects the rich historical and cultural heritage of Istanbul. Let's take a look at the history and architectural features of the Basilica Cistern, which fascinates those who see it and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

 

HISTORY OF YEREBATAN Cistern

 

Basilica Cistern, located between Hagia Sophia and CaÄŸaoÄŸlu and hosting many international events, is a Byzantine structure. It was built by Byzantine emperor Justinian I in 532. Basilica Cistern, which is the best preserved cistern in Istanbul until today, is one of the most important water sources of the period in which it was used. The structure, which has an area of 9800 m2 and the capacity to hold 100,000 tons of water, was discovered by local fishermen approximately 100 years after the conquest of Istanbul. During the Ottoman period, it largely met the water needs of the people around it. The building, which was repaired twice during the Ottoman period, was first built in 1723 by III. During the reign of Ahmet, it was repaired by Architect Kayserili Mehmet AÄŸa, and its second restoration was carried out by Sultan II. It was carried out during the reign of Abdulhamid. In 1987, the structure was renovated by the Istanbul Municipality and became a tourist attraction by adding a tour platform. The Basilica Cistern, which underwent major cleaning and maintenance in 1994 because it is over 1000 years old, was opened to visitors with the latest restoration and strengthening works that started in 2017.

 

YEREBATAN Cistern ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

 

It is estimated that more than 7000 slaves worked in the construction of the Basilica Cistern, which takes people to another world with its impressive architecture, and that its construction took 38 years. The Basilica Cistern, a rectangular structure built of bricks, sitting on a rocky ground, was first measured in size during World War I. It was taken by German archaeologist Eckinard Unger and is stated to be 138 x 64.6. There are 336 columns, 9 meters high, that support the brick vault on top. It covers a huge area with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. The floor and thick walls of the Basilica Cistern were made waterproof by plastering a thick layer of a material called ''Horosan Mortar''. The cistern can be reached by descending a 52-step stone staiecase. The columns that carry the weight of the building were carved from various types of marble, apparently collected from older buildings. For this reason, some of the columns reflect Doric architectural aesthetics, while the other part reflects Corinthian architectural aesthetics. One of the most striking features of the cistern is the Medusa heads on its columns, which are the subject of mythological stories.

 

YEREBATAN Cistern: THE CRYING COLUMN

 

The peacock eye motifs on the column resemble tears and it always has a wet appearance compared to other columns. That's why he seems to be crying all the time. According to legend, this column is a representation of the suffering 7000 slaves who worked in the construction of the Basilica Cistern.

 

Basilica Cistern offers a mystical experience to its visitors with its architectural features and the fascinating atmosphere created by the water inside. Today, various cultural events and exhibitions also increase the importance of this place. In addition, walking paths inside the cistern allow visitors to explore every corner of the cistern.