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 Sarnýcý' (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.
Venues, Weddings, Parties,
Exhibitions, Openings, Welcome Cocktals, Private Organisations
in Binbirdirek Cistern.
Please contact with us
to organise your venues in Binbirdirek
Cistern