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THE BASILICA CISTERN
The Basilica Cistern
One major problem of the peninsula on which Istanbul is located is the shortage of water. Consequently, all the rulers of the city have been faced with the task of providing the inhabitants with a sufficient and constant supply of water.
The aqueducts that were built during both the Roman and the Ottoman reigns for this purpose still stand today. Part of the water brought in through these was distributed for immediate usage and the rest was stored for arid seasons in underground cisterns and open reservoirs that may be seen in various parts of the city. The most prominent of these depots is the Basilica Cistern (or by its Turkish name, "Yerebatan Sarayi").
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Entrance to the Basilica Cistern is through a small shack at the western corner of the Haghia Sophia Square. This cistern which was built in the 6th century upon orders of Emperor Justinian served the city for many centuries. Even today, one may see an accumulation of clear water more than one meter in depth. In the 70 x 140 m cistern there are 336 columns, some with Corinthian capitals, supporting the ceiling. Arranged in 12 rows of 28 each, these columns joined by brick arches and their reflections in the still water add up to a fascinating sight for every visitor.
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