|
Binbirdirek
Cistern which is the second largest of the
covered
Byzantine cisterns in
Istanbul was built
during the time of
Justinian the Great in the 6th century. This
amazing cistern with 224 columns had the
capacity of holding 50.000 cu. meters water.
The cistern of
the palace belonging to Philoxenus, a senator
who had been sent from Rome to settle in this
newly-founded city in the reign of Constantine I
is considered to be that referred to as
'Binbirdirek Sarnici' (The Cistern of a Thousand
and One Columns), and the water drained away
from it many years ago. Located to the west of
the Hippodrome, It was recently cleaned and
connected with a gallery to the side street. Now
the cistern, measuring 64 by 56 meters, is an
easily accessible, interesting and beautiful
site to visit. Binbirdirek was built in the 4th
century during the reign of Constantine the
Great, and historical sources state that
binbirdirek is the oldest known cistern found in
Istanbul , is
interesting in terms of its excellent interior
design and also because the columns , all of
which are equal in length, must have been hewn
with this structure in mind. There is a thick
overlapping astragal running round the columns
carrying the vaults and arches. Their capitals,
on the other hand, are in the form of a
truncated pyramid and are without decoration. Of
the 224 original columns, 212 are still
standing. The thick walls of the cistern, the
brick vaults, the columns in two tiers bound
together by stone ties, and the plain column
capitals create an impressive atmosphere. During
the renovation work small booths for vendors, a
cafe, and exhibition areas were constructed, and
the hollow section in the middle of the cistern
was cleaned of mud to show the original height
of the columns.
Binbirdirek
Cistern nowadays is used as museum from 09.00 -
17.00 and in the evenin Binbirdirek welcomes
visitors in Private Parties, Wedding Ceremonies
and your private organisations with its
breathetaking atmosphere. |
