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The Basilica Cistern (Underground
Cistern) was built by Justinian I after the bloody Nika Revolt in
532, probably as an enlargement of an earlier cistern which was
constructed by Constantine the Great. During the Byzantium Period,
it was used as a reservoir for water storage for the Great Palace
and other buildings in the First Hill. During the Ottoman Period,
the water was used for Topkapi Palace and watering the gardens of
it. However the cistern had its brighest days during the Byzantium
Age.
The interior of Underground Cistern is excellent. It is 138 m, 452
ft long by 65m, 213 ft wide. There are 336 columns in the cistern in
12 rows. Most of the column capitals are either in Corinthian or
Doric in style. At the far end of the Cistern, there are two heads
of Medusa which are put upside down or side ways. The Medusa heads
are taken from an ancient pagan site and the position in which they
were placed suggests that the people who put them there, were
Christians and did not want to remind a god from pagan period. The
water inside the underground cistern is collected rain water. The
carp in the water are decorative and an incidental protection
against pollution. Some people even think that the Byzantines
originally also raised fish in the cistern.
Between 1985-1988, the Municipality of Istanbul cleaned and restored
it thoroughly and built a wooden walkway between the columns. In
addition to that there are special effects presented by a light and
sound show. By looking at the water level marks on the plaster walls
which reach the height of the capitals, it is possible to understand
that the cistern was full in advance.
Because of its magic atmosphere and great acoustics, this cistern is
now hosting many Classical Music Concerts.
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