On an outing to Old Istanbul to pick up some stamps and visit the Grand Bazaar I made an impromptu visit to the Basilica Cistern. The line to get in caught my attention as I was walking to the ferry to head home. Since the cistern was on my "to see" list, I decided I could spare some time and take a look inside.
Built in the 6th Century during the Byzantine times, the Basilica Cistern was built as an underground chamber that held water for the buildings in the area, including the Great Palace of Constantinople and Topkapi Palace in the 15th century. It wasn't until the 1980's that the cistern became available for public viewing.
I found it interesting that there were so many fish in the water. I wondered how the fish got there. Assuming they come in with the water, it is fasinating to think that these fish(well, their ancestors) have been there for hundreds of years. Imagine living in this dark, quiet, low water.
(The wishing water. A school of fish with money on the bottom)
Most of the 330+ columns were similar to this design, Corinthian and Iconic styles.
The ceiling of the cistern with a Doric style column on the right.
While walking through the cistern, I came across this column that looked significantly different from the others. After a little research I discovered that it is called the Peacock Eyed Column. From observing other tourists and eavesdropping just a little I concluded that you are to stick your thumb in the only hole on the column and turning it fully around clockwise, while making a wish. So, like a lemming, I followed what the others were doing.
The two heads of Medusa that layed in the cistern were somewhat surprising to me. Well, not that I know much about Medusa anyway, but I never would have expected them to be there. As I read from a few postings in the cistern, it really isn't known how they got there or why. They are believed to be from the end of the Roman Period (around 1400's).
The two heads of Medusa that layed in the cistern were somewhat surprising to me. Well, not that I know much about Medusa anyway, but I never would have expected them to be there. As I read from a few postings in the cistern, it really isn't known how they got there or why. They are believed to be from the end of the Roman Period (around 1400's).
One of the heads, upside down. Though it is not entirely known why the head is place upside down, it was believed to have been done to keep the effect of Medusa's direct glance from turning people into stones.
The second statue, on it's side.
The following picture does not do justice to the beauty the lights from the columns have on the columns, themselves, and the water.
The second statue, on it's side.
The following picture does not do justice to the beauty the lights from the columns have on the columns, themselves, and the water.
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