• People walk behind the Medusa head in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey, 24 July 2022. The site has been restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and is now open for visitors again. The Byzantine structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The underground Basilica, also called Underground Cistern, is the largest well preserved cistern in Istanbul, which rests on a total of 336 columns. According to historical texts, more than 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. EPA / SEDAT SUNA
    People walk behind the Medusa head in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey, 24 July 2022. The site has been restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and is now open for visitors again. The Byzantine structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The underground Basilica, also called Underground Cistern, is the largest well preserved cistern in Istanbul, which rests on a total of 336 columns. According to historical texts, more than 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. EPA / SEDAT SUNA
  • The site has been restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and is now open for visitors once again.
    The site has been restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and is now open for visitors once again.
  • People are reflected in the waters of the Basilica Cistern while visiting the historic site in the Turkish city.
    People are reflected in the waters of the Basilica Cistern while visiting the historic site in the Turkish city.
  • The Byzantine structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532.
    The Byzantine structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532.
  • The Basilica, also called the Underground Cistern, is the largest well preserved cistern in Istanbul and rests upon 336 columns.
    The Basilica, also called the Underground Cistern, is the largest well preserved cistern in Istanbul and rests upon 336 columns.
  • The Medusa head. Historical documents suggest that more than 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the Basilica Cistern.
    The Medusa head. Historical documents suggest that more than 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the Basilica Cistern.

MENA

Basilica Cistern reopens after restoration - in pictures

The largest and best preserved cistern in Istanbul rests upon 336 columns

The National

July 25, 2022

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Updated: July 25, 2022, 1:42 PM
TurkeyPhotography