ESPAÑOL
A surreal atmosphere surrounds the underground Cistern Basilica, also known as Yerebatan Sarnici in Istanbul, Turkey. The underground forest of columns is reflected in the water, resembling an Escher picture .
A visit through the walkways located over the water reveals a unique combination of
engineering and art worthy of a palace, which lies in the
basement of the former capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (that's why
the monument is also known as Yerebatan Sarayi, the Sunken Palace).
LOCATION
Located about 100 meters from the famous Hagia Sophia, the complex receives its name from an ancient basilica stood on it. It was built by the Emperor Constantine (272-337) and then enlarged by Justinian (527-565) in 532, in order to provide water to the imperial palace and to the city of Constantinople in general, in case it would be besieged. The water tanks that supplied the cistern was brought through aqueducts from a fountain located 19 km from the city.
In fact the cistern remained hidden
after the city fell conquered by the Ottoman Turks
in the fifteenth century and was rediscovered by the Dutch traveler P. Gyllius, between 1545-50. He heard stories of people who drew water and even fish from wells located in the basements of their houses.
Armed with a torch Gyllius delved into the cisterns and in really difficult conditions carried out the first survey of the monument. He later published his discovery, attracting many travelers and scientists fascinated by the wonder of the cistern.
CHARACTERISTICS
The cistern occupies a rectangular area of 140 x 70 m, surrounded by walls 4.8 m thick.The construction technology, based on brick and concrete, is similar to that developed in Hagia Sofia.
Some of them have Doric and Corinthian
capitals, but some others have really unusual ones, regarding both the form of capital as well as the
shaft of the column.
THE MEDUSA HEADS
One
of the aspects I found most striking was the presence of two columns
whose base represented the head of Medusa, the Gorgon guardian with that hair in the
form of snakes which, according to Greco-Roman mythology, turned to stone to those
who looked at her.
I was surprised to find these magnificent sculptures used as bases of two columns, one of them arranged upside-down and the other one on the side.
In front of the Medusa
a cross etched in the column can be seen. RESTORATION
The complex has undergone three restoration processes. La primera fue hecha por los otomanosen 1723, bajo el reinado del sultán Ahmet III. The first was carried out by the Ottomans in 1723, under the reign of Sultan Ahmet III. The second one was made in the nineteenth century under Sultan Abdulhamid II, covering one third of the tank with brick and concrete to prevent collapse. The third one was carried out between 1985-87, when 50,000 tons of mud and sediment were extracted from the complex floor.
Today lighting effects and music have been added to the gentle murmur of water, accompanied by the colorful presence of ornamental fish.
SEE ALSO
CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE
- Baths of Caracalla, Rome, Italy (212-17)
- Roman Colosseum. Rome, Italy (71-80)
- Trajan Market, Rome, Italy (100-110)
The underground Cistern Basilica in Istanbul, often referred to as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, is a captivating fusion of engineering marvel and artistic grandeur. This subterranean reservoir, hidden beneath the bustling city and rediscovered centuries later, evokes a surreal experience with its labyrinth of columns reflected in the tranquil waters below. Its architectural design, featuring 336 columns with a mix of Doric and Corinthian capitals, creates an awe-inspiring ambiance akin to a submerged palace. The enigmatic Medusa heads, used as column bases, add a mythical element, reflecting the emperor’s intent to conquer pagan symbols. Restoration efforts have preserved this ancient wonder, enhancing its appeal with modern lighting and ornamental fish, ensuring that this historical masterpiece continues to enchant visitors with its eerie yet majestic atmosphere.
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