Binbirdirek Cistern

It is known that the Cistern of 1001 Columns, which is the oldest covered cistern of Istanbul, was built in the 4th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine. The original name of this cistern, which is located just across from Justice Hall on Imram Okten Street, is the Philoksenos Cistern, named after a member of the Roman Senate.

There were 224 columns in this cistern of which 212 still stand today. The cistern is
totally 64x24 sqm in dimension. The cistern was opened to the public in 2002 after a long restoration period that lasted 7 years.

The cistern is located to the west of the Hippodrome. This cistern was recently connected to the road that lies next to it after having been deaned. it has been tumed into an easily accessible historical site to tour offering an interesting and enjoyable place to visit. The brick vaults of the building, surrounded by thick walls, dual columns fixed by a sub-section and carrying the brick vaults, and untreated capital s of these columns are points of interest. Smail shops, coffeehouses, exhibition areas, and the concave section from which the original height of the columns can be seen were all built during the renovation.