Basilica Cistern

Historical Background

Byzantine Emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of the Basilica Cistern in the 6th century AD as part of an extensive system to supply water to the city. It remained in use throughout both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, drawing water via aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest, located about 20 kilometers north of the city.

Measuring approximately 138 meters long and 65 meters wide, the underground space could hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. After the Ottoman conquest of the city in 1453, the cistern's importance declined, though it continued to function in limited capacity. It was eventually forgotten by many until rediscovery and public access were initiated in modern times. Today, it is open as a historical site and museum, attracting visitors for its unique atmosphere and preserved architecture. You can visit the cistern when you're in the Sultanahmet district, near Hagia Sophia.

Inside the Basilica Cistern: The Columns

Inside the Basilica Cistern, there are 336 marble columns, each around 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns. The columns support the brick-vaulted ceiling and were reused (spolia) from various older Roman buildings, which is why they differ in design and decoration.

Several column capitals are of the Corinthian and Doric orders, showing the diversity of their origins. Most of the columns are plain shafts, but a few stand out due to their unusual bases or decorations.

Medusa Heads

Among the most well-known features in the cistern are the two Medusa head column bases located in the far northwest corner of the structure. These heads were also repurposed from earlier Roman era buildings.

There is no definitive explanation for their orientation. Some scholars suggest the heads were used simply as convenient building material. Others speculate that the orientation may have been symbolic, possibly to neutralize the mythical powers of Medusa or to show disregard for pagan imagery during the Christian Byzantine era.

Tear Column

Another distinctive feature is the Tear Column which is decorated with tear-shaped patterns. It is believed to be a tribute to the workers who died during the construction of the cistern.

Popular References

The Basilica Cistern has appeared in popular media and literature, increasing its international recognition. The cistern is featured in Dan Brown's novel Inferno, where it serves as a dramatic setting in the final chapters of the book. The Basilica Cistern also appears in the James Bond film From Russia with Love (1963), in which Bond rows a boat through the cistern beneath Istanbul.