The Basilica Cistern is truly a remarkable and unforgettable site. It is located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul and was built during the reign of Emperor Justinianus in the 6th century, the age of glory for Eastern Rome.
The media has used the cistern in the 1963 James Bond movie From Russia With Love, the 2009 movie The International, as well as novels, Crescent Dawn, and video games, Assassin's Creed: Revelations.
Our sleep was really messed up so we had gone walking right before daybreak to observe the City waking up. We had walked so far that we had to take a tram back to our destinations.
When we left the tram, we noticed the sign below. We thought that we could waste a bit of time exploring the cistern and also have a meal before making our way to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia for the rest of the day. We had really not paid much attention to the cistern site in the guidebooks as it didn't sound like anything we would be interested in. We had no idea the treat that was waiting for us below the ground.
The Basilica Cistern
Constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Empereror Justinianus, the most prosperous period of the East Roman Empire, the cistern Basilica is 70m. in width and 140m. in length. Tthe dome, covering an area of 9800 m2, is supported by 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows each consisting of 28 columns placed at a distance of 4m 90cm. from one another. The capitals of these 9 m. high columns are a blend of Ionic and corinthian styles with a few exceptions which are in the doric style and not ornamented. The cistern is surrounded by a 4 m. thick wall of brick and the mortar used in constructions is very special and water-proof. The water reserved in the cistern was transported from the Belgrad forest which is 19m. from the city.
In 1985 the Metropolitan municipality of Istanbul undertook the restoration of the cistern. On the 9th of September 1987, it was opened for visitors as a vitalized example of universal cultural heritage
The climb down was not too bad. There were raised viewing platforms over the water thoughout the main part of the cistern.
The Hen's Eye Column
One of the columns is engraved with raised pictures of a Hen's Eye, slanted braches, and tears. This column resembles the columns of the Triumphal Arch of Theodosius I from the 4th century (AD 379-395), erected in the 'Forum Tauri' Square. Ancient texts suggest that the tears on the column pay tribute to the hundreds of slaves who died during the construction of the Basilica Cistern.
There were no signs in regards to the Hen's Eye Column so I didn't know the significance until I googled it later back home.
MEDUSA
It is not known exactly where these two heads came from, but there is a rumor saying that they were brought here after being removed from an antique building of the late Roman period. Another mystery is about why one of the Medusa's heads is upside down while the other is titled to one side. But it is commonly accepted by scientists that they were placed in that way deliberately. If one wants to go deeper in wanting to know more about the history of the mythological rumor of Medusa one can come across the following story:
It is said that Medusa was one of the three underground Gorgona Giant Sisters. Out of these three sisters only Medusa was mortal and she had the power of transforming people who looked at ther into stones. It is said that in the old times the statues and pictures of Medusa were placed in very important buildings and private places to keep them away from bad omens.
In another rumor, Medusa is said to be a girl who was very much proud of her black eyes, long hair and beautiful body. For a long time she was in loved with Perseus, the son of Zeus. At the same times Goddess Athene was in love with him and she became jealous of Medusa's love with Perseus. For that reason she turned Medusa's beautiful hair into horrible snakes. The whoever looked at Medusa turned into stone. When Perseus saw that Medusa was bewitched and she was turning people into stone by a mere glance, he cut her head. Then won many wars by showing his beloved one's head to enemies. From that time onward, it was said that Byzanthine swords handles were stylized with Medusa's head.
These heads were in the farthest corner of the cistern and you had to climb down stairs. It was quite dark there so I apologize for the quality of my photographs. It's the only place I noticed that tourist had thrown coins into the water. Maybe so Medusa would not turn them to stone.
A couple of final looks back as we exited
Truly a breath taking adventure but it was also great to be back above ground. More than once I had thought about Turkey's earthquakes while down below.
The hustle and bustle of the City had started for the morning
as we made our way over to the Blue Mosque and other main attractions
After all, the Blue Mosque was the view from our hotel window all night since we couldn't sleep so we were ready to begin our tour of it.
I highly recommend seeking out the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul if you need to take a break from the main tourist sites. It would be a great place to cool off in the summer heat.