1001 Columns Cistern

Binbirdirek Cistern (The Cistern of a Thousand and One Columns) was built in the 4^th century during the reign of Constantine the Great, and historical sources state that Binbirdirek is the oldest known cistern. Located at the center of Old Town, west of the historical Hippodrome Square, it was recently cleaned and connected with a gallery to the side street.

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 booth for vendors, a café, 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. www.binbirdirek.com