Historical cistern under Fatih Mosque in Istanbul will be brought to light

The Karadeniz Medrese Cistern, located under the Fatih Mosque with 43 columns and a length of 51 meters, will be restored and unveiled. The cistern, which has survived to this day with its 43 columns, was used in the past to meet Istanbul’s water needs and is believed to have been constructed during the Byzantine era.

Istanbul, which has been a host to various civilizations, holds numerous historical artifacts from the past to the present. Apart from the above-ground structures, the city is also home to many historical sites underground. Cisterns built in earlier times to provide water to the city also stand out among these artifacts.

Especially in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, known as “Old Istanbul,” extending from Edirnekapı to Sarayburnu, there are numerous cisterns. Besides the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), the Şerefiye Cistern can also be visited, while some cisterns await the day they will be opened for tourism.

A MADRASA SITS ON TOP OF THE CISTERN

The Karadeniz Medrese Cistern beneath the Fatih Mosque is one of these hidden historical structures. Thought to have been built during the Byzantine era, the cistern is located beneath the garden on the Golden Horn side of the mosque. In the past, a madrasa was situated on top of the cistern, which was used to meet the water needs of the area.

Regarding this matter, Feyyaz Fidan, the Director of Cultural Assets and Construction at the General Directorate of Foundations, stated that Istanbul, which hosted many civilizations throughout history, and the historical peninsula of Fatih, has a multifaceted cultural heritage.

CISTERN IS 51 METERS LONG 35 METERS WIDE

He said, “The Karadeniz Medrese Cistern, located just below the courtyard of the Fatih Mosque, is one of the best examples in this regard. The Fatih Mosque is situated on one of Istanbul’s seven hills. Before the conquest of Istanbul, the Church of the Apostles (Havariyyun Kilisesi) was located here. During the Roman and Byzantine eras, cisterns like this one were built in many parts of the city to store water.” He noted that the cistern was 51 meters long, 35 meters wide, and supported by 43 columns.

Regarding the restoration work at the Karadeniz Medrese, Fidan provided the following information: “We began the restoration of the Karadeniz Medrese in March 2022. As part of this restoration, we removed all the deteriorated structural elements from the building. We are continuing with the original techniques for doors and window frames. The cleaning of the original shutters was carried out. Plastering work has been completed. The reinforcement work is largely done. We are nearing completion in terms of lead works. In addition to this, the ground works have been prepared for Horasan plaster. As the Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate, we aim to complete the final phase of restoration for the Karadeniz Medrese as soon as possible and open it to the public.”