The Istanbul Underground Cistern
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Istanbul Underground Cistern
The massive columned Cistern (known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman Period). Thought to have been built during the reign of Justinian I, the age of Glory of Eastern Rome, also called the Byzantine Empire (after the Nika Revolt in 532 AD). Having been long-forgotten, it was re-discovered in 1545 and was used to water the gardens of the Topkapi Palace. Holds 80, 000 cubic metres of water - has 336 marble colums each 9 metres high and the water was provided from the Belgrade Forest, 19km north of the city via aqueducts. Used in the 1963 James Bond film From Russia with Love. Date: 1923
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Media ID 14345460
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Arches Basilica Byzantine Byzantium Columned Columns Constantinople Glory Justinian Lights Reflection Reign Revolt Supply Topkapi Watering
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. The Enchanting Istanbul Underground Cistern: A Hidden Gem of Byzantine Engineering The captivating image before you unveils the Istanbul Underground Cistern, a remarkable architectural marvel hidden beneath the bustling streets of Turkey's historic city. This massive subterranean structure, also known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman period, dates back to the age of Eastern Rome, or the Byzantine Empire, during the reign of Justinian I in the 6th century AD. After being long forgotten, the cistern was rediscovered in 1545 and later used to water the gardens of the Topkapi Palace. This architectural wonder holds an impressive capacity of 80,000 cubic metres of water and boasts 336 marble columns, each standing tall at 9 metres. The water was ingeniously supplied from the Belgrade Forest, 19km north of the city, via aqueducts. The ethereal atmosphere of the Istanbul Underground Cistern is further enhanced by the gentle play of light and water reflections on the ancient columns. This enchanting scene transports us back to the days of Constantinople, the capital city of the Byzantine Empire, and offers a glimpse into the rich history and engineering prowess of the Byzantine period. The Istanbul Underground Cistern has also made its mark in popular culture, having been featured in the 1963 James Bond film "From Russia with Love." This hidden gem continues to captivate visitors and historians alike, offering a unique glimpse into the past and the ingenuity of the ancient world. Date: 1923 Keywords: water, supply, arches, columns, Constantinople, Turkey, Turkish, lights, reflection, Byzantium, Byzantine period, Eastern Rome, garden, watering, columned, basilica, Roman, built, reign, Justinian, age, glory, empire, Nika revolt, 532 AD, gardens, Topkapi.
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