Basilica Cistern istanbul

Basilica Cistern  istanbul

The cistern has undergone various repairs since its establishment. The first repair of the cistern was repaired twice during the Ottoman Empire period. The second repair was carried out in the time of Sultan Abdulhamid II (1876-1909). During the Republican Period, the cistern was cleaned by the Istanbul Municipality in 1987 and opened to visitors with a sightseeing platform. In May of 1994, it was again in great cleaning and care.

Head of Medusa

Two Medusa Heads, used as a base under two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern, are masterpieces of Roman sculpture. It is not known from which structures the Medusa heads are most attracted to the people visiting the cistern. Researchers generally believe that they were brought to the base of the cistern during the construction of the cistern. Despite this view, a number of legends have been formed about the head of Medusa.



According to one legend, Medusa is one of the three Gorgonas, the female monster of the underworld in Greek mythology. Medusa, the snake-headed of these three sisters, has the power to turn his ministers to stone. According to one view, Gorgona paintings and sculptures were used to preserve large structures and special places at that time, and this is why the head of the Carnica Medusa was placed.



According to another rumor, Medusa was a girl who boasted with black eyes, long hair and beautiful body. Medusa loved Perseus, the son of Zeus. Meanwhile, Athena loved Perseus and was jealous of Medusa. That's why Athena turned Medusa's hair into a snake. Now everyone who looked at Medusa turned into stone. Perseus then cut off the head of Medusa and defeated many enemies by taking advantage of his power.



Based on this, the Medusa Head was placed in the sword knobs in Byzantium and placed opposite to the column bases (to prevent ministers from cutting stones). According to a rumor, Medusa turned to stone. Therefore, according to the reflection angles of the light, the sculptor who made the sculpture here has made Medusa in three different positions.

This mysterious space, which is an integral part of the Istanbul sightseeing program, has so far led to former Prime Minister Bill Clinton, Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok, former Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, former Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson and Austrian former Prime Minister Thomas Klestil. so many people visited.



Presently, one of the affiliates of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Kültür A.Ş. The Basilica Cistern, operated by the city, hosts many national and international events as well as being a museum.