Yerebatan Cistern

Cisterns were structures built thousands of years ago to take advantage of rain or water transferred by aqueducts from nearby sources. Some examples of such structures dating from the time of the Byzantine Empire can be visited in Istanbul today. Yerebatan Cistern is one of the most interesting examples of these structures. It is located near Sultanahmet Square in Fatih district.

Interpreted as an engineering genius, it is believed that the Yerebatan Cistern was built on the site of a smaller cistern. The date of construction is 532. It was built by the emperor of the period, Justinianos, to meet the water needs of the Great Palace nearby. Built on a total area of 9,800 square meters, the cistern was based on the storage of water brought from the Belgrade forests in the north of the city through the Bozdogan Aqueduct. Today, about 3 in 2 of its original width can be seen. Other parts are closed.

The situation of the yeraltı (underground) cistern during the Ottoman rule after the conquest of the city in 1453 is quite interesting. The existence of this structure was not known until the mid-1500s. It has been revealed by chance. The Yerebatan Cistern, which can be visited within certain hours, welcomes you with classical music. Music melodies mixed with the sound of water drops flowing from its ceiling supported by 336 columns, each of which is 8 meters high, add value to the ambiance. There are also ritual-based habits, such as throwing coins into the section called the wishing well. The Yerebatan Cistern, which attracts attention with its lighting elements, is waiting for your visit with its size and striking visuals.