History
1453
After the Conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the Basilica Cistern continued to serve the water needs of Topkapı Palace for some time. As the surrounding area gradually became populated, the cistern also emerged as a vital water source for the local community.
1544 - 1555
In the 16th century, the structure was “unnoticed” by Westerners until it was “rediscovered.” Between 1544 and 1555, the French naturalist and topography expert Petrus Gyllius, who lived in Istanbul, appears as the person who made this discovery. Gyllius was the first to measure the cistern’s dimensions and according to him, it was 336 feet long, 182 feet wide, and its circumference was 224 Roman steps. He also counted the columns and recorded that there were exactly 336 of them, as well as mentioning the existence of several wells on the top of the cistern. Gyllius’ statements about how people drew water with buckets, rowed boats, and used lamps for illumination inside the cistern, with air and light seeping through the wells, show that the locals were “aware” of the cistern at that time and this information has been passed down to the future.
1955 - 1960
In the Ottoman period, the Yerebatan Cistern underwent its first restoration during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III, and the second restoration during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II. In the following years, it continued to undergo various restoration efforts. Between 1955 and 1960, nine columns under the risk of collapse were covered with a thick layer of concrete to prevent further deterioration.
1985 - 1987
The Medusa heads, used as column bases, are positioned horizontally in the western part and upside down in the eastern part of the structure. These Medusa heads, considered one of the most exceptional examples of Roman sculpture, have attracted great attention from visitors and have become the subject of many legends.
The Present
After undergoing extensive restorations, the Basilica Cistern emerged as one of Istanbul’s premier tourist attractions. Over the years, it has hosted numerous distinguished international visitors, including Bill Clinton, Wim Kok, Lamberto Dini, Göran Persson, and Thomas Klestil. Today, it remains one of the city's most iconic cultural and historical landmarks.