Journey to the Mysterious History of Istanbul: Our Visit to the Basilica Cistern

A week ago, my brothers and cousins and I visited the Basilica Cistern, one of the most impressive historical buildings of Istanbul. This historical place, which many people who live in Istanbul or come here want to see, is really as impressive as it is described. I had seen it in photos before, but when I entered it, the atmosphere felt completely different. We had an unforgettable experience with both its historical texture and mystical atmosphere.

The Basilica Cistern is located very close to Sultanahmet Square. It is a few minutes' walk to historical places such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. For this reason, it has become one of the most visited points by tourists coming to Istanbul. We decided to visit the Basilica Cistern while visiting this historical region. The boy was so happy :)

A certain fee is paid at the entrance. When we went, the student ticket was 200 TL and the full ticket was 400 TL. The fare was higher for foreign tourists and was determined in dollars. Although the price seems a little high, I can say that the atmosphere we saw when we entered was worth it. Because this is not only a historical building, but also a fascinating place that takes people to the past.

Basilica Cistern, Byzantine Emperor I. It was built by Justinianus in the 6th century. At that time, it was used as a large water tank built to meet the water needs of Istanbul. This giant structure, hidden under the city, served for water storage for many years. It was also used for a while in the Ottoman period, but it lost its importance over time. Later, it was restored and opened to tourism.
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One of the most impressive features of the cistern is its huge columns. Hundreds of columns rising under the dim lights as soon as they enter fascinate people. There are 336 columns in total, and these columns make the size of the cistern even more impressive. Thanks to the platforms that give you the feeling of walking on the water, you can walk comfortably inside. Dim lights, images reflected from the ceiling and the light sound of water add a mysterious atmosphere to the place.

The moment we entered, we were all silent for a short time. Because the atmosphere was really impressive. Entering such a cool, dark and historical environment after the crowd and noise outside takes you to another time. It was a very different feeling to feel the traces of the past while walking through the columns. Every column, every stone seemed to tell a different story.

One of the most remarkable points of the cistern is the Medusa heads. The two Medusa heads under the columns are one of the details that everyone who visits here wants to see. One of these heads stands on the side and the other is placed upside down. There are different narrations about why this is done this way. Some say it was done just to be suitable for the column length, while others say it was reversed to neutralize the power of Medusa. Although the exact reason is not known, this mystery increases the impressiveness of the cistern.

We were really impressed when we saw Medusa's heads. Seeing the details seen in historical films or documentaries in real life gives a different excitement. It was very impressive to see those stone carvings, especially in the dim light. Everyone who visited was standing there to take pictures.

The interior of the Basilica Cistern is not only historical, but also has an artistic atmosphere. The lighting is very well prepared. The colors reflected on the columns and the reflections in the water give a fascinating look to the environment. For this reason, while walking inside, you experience not only a historical building, but also a visual feast.

While we were traveling as a family, we stood on every corner and took pictures. Especially the reflections between the columns created very beautiful images. It looked good in the photos, but the real version was much more impressive. Sometimes it was enough to just stop and watch around. Quiet and cool environment calms people.

It is not really surprising that the Basilica Cistern welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Because it fascinates people to see such a mysterious and historical place in the heart of Istanbul. It is admirable to have such a structure underground in a crowded city like Istanbul. The fact that this structure, which was built centuries ago, is still standing today also affects people.

This visit reminded us once again how deep Istanbul has a history. While walking on the streets of the city, there is a different history on every corner, but the Basilica Cistern gives this feeling much stronger. Because this place is like a great history hidden under the ground.

It was very pleasant to visit such a place with my siblings and cousins. We visited a historical place together and accumulated good memories. Sometimes it is very valuable not only to see a place, but also to share that moment with your loved ones. This visit was both an instructive and unforgettable experience for us.

If you come to Istanbul one day, I definitely recommend you to visit the Basilica Cistern. It is a place that anyone who loves history, architecture and mysterious atmosphere can be impressed. It would be a very nice experience to visit here, especially while walking around Sultanahmet. The Basilica Cistern is one of the most impressive heritages that Istanbul has carried from the past to the present.

This trip reminded me again how valuable it is to visit historical places. It's a completely different feeling to see the places we read in books or see in photos in real life. The Basilica Cistern has also become one of the places that give this feeling the strongest. It is a truly special place for anyone who wants to feel the historical spirit of Istanbul.