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Istanbul’s ‘Sunken Cistern’ makes a splash with its mystical atmosphere
Istanbul’s ‘Sunken Cistern’ makes a splash with its mystical atmosphere
A mysterious subterranean structure, the Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Sunken Cistern in English) astonishes visitors with its enchanting marble columns and sculptures. (Photos: Alamy)
The cistern was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and was built in 542 A.C.
It is also known as the “Basilica Cistern” since it previously included a basilica.
Some 336 marble columns ascending from water, all about 9 meters high and have 4.80 meters of distance from each other, paved the way for the underground beauty to be acknowledged as the Sunken Cistern.
All columns have different characteristics. While some have angled heads, others generally have cylinder tops.
The cistern was restored two times, by the Ottoman Empire, and was providing water to the residents of Istanbul. It has the capacity to store 100,000 tons of water.
Thanks to a special soil mixture used in the brick walls, the cistern also became water-proof.
One of the most attractive features of the subterranean structure is the two Medusa heads, located in the northwestern part of the cistern.
Even though the exact reason for the presence of the Medusa heads is unknown, they gather much of the attention.
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