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       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.

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