A Journey Through Its Ancient Cisterns and Aqueducts
Istanbul, a city steeped in history, is home to several ancient cisterns and aqueducts, remarkable feats of engineering that served as vital components of the city’s water supply system. These historical structures are not only a testament to the city’s past but also fascinating sites for visitors.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
- History: Built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, it’s the largest cistern in Istanbul.
- Features: It measures 138 x 64.6 meters and contains 336 columns. The cistern is known for its flat brick floor, waterproof mortar walls, Corinthian-style column capitals, and vaulted ceilings.
- Significance: It served as a water distribution center for the Sarayburnu area during the Ottoman period. After renovations in 1985-1986, it was opened to the public. Restoration work continues in some parts today.
Binbirdirek Cistern (Philoxenus Cistern)
- Background: The second-largest cistern in Istanbul, constructed during the reign of Emperor Constantine I (324-337) by the senator Philoxenus to meet the water needs of the Filoksenus Palace.
- Architecture: It measures 64 x 56-40 meters and features a cross-vaulted structure supported by 224 columns.
Şerefiye Cistern
- History: Built between 428 and 443 by Emperor Theodosius II, the cistern was designed to store water delivered via the Bozdoğan Aqueduct (Valens Aqueduct).
- Function: It distributed water from the Belgrad Forest and nearby sources to the Nymphaeum, Zeuksippos Baths, and the Great Palace. Along with the Binbirdirek and Basilica cisterns, it played a crucial role in meeting the city’s water needs for centuries.
Fildamı Cistern
- Location: Situated on Bakırköy Aksu Koşuyolu Street, Fildamı Dead-end.
- Era: An open-air water reservoir from the Early Byzantine period.
- Unique Feature: Named for housing elephants during the Ottoman period. It’s a rare example of water collection pools outside the city walls, built using alternating stone and brick wall techniques.
Bozdoğan Aqueduct (Valens Aqueduct)
- Construction Period: Built between 368-373 during the late Roman-Early Byzantine era.
- Structure: Located at the beginning of Atatürk Boulevard, Saraçhane. The aqueduct spans 971 meters in length, with an average height of 28 meters and a width varying between 3.40 and 5.60 meters. It features a two-tiered structure, with the lower tier made of more refined cut stones and the upper tier of smaller stones.
- Restoration: Excavations have revealed parts of the structure that were buried underground, and it has undergone restoration works.
These historical sites offer a unique glimpse into the ingenious water management systems of ancient Constantinople and are essential stops for anyone keen on exploring Istanbul’s rich heritage.