THEODOSIUS CISTERN - 6

FATIH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

This cistern is one of the best works that show how water civilization was developed in these lands before the Byzantine and Ottoman periods and how it was protected and enriched as technically and architecturally by the Ottoman Empire.

– Realm of History

THEODOSIUS CISTERN - 5

FATIH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Spread across an area of 148 feet by 82 feet (around 45 meters by 25 meters).

The ancient cistern features a roof that is supported by 32 marble columns, each measuring over 30 feet (or 9 meters) in height.

– Realm of History

THEODOSIUS CISTERN - 4

FATIH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II between circa 428 AD and 443 AD, the Theodosius Cistern was used to store water from the Valens Aqueduct, which was the chief water-supplying system of the Eastern Roman capital of Constantinople. 

During Theodosius’ reign, the aqueduct was redistributed from its original supply to the Nymphaeum, the Baths of Zeuxippus and the Great Palace of Constantinople. 

This, in turn, involved the construction of the Theodosius Cistern. 

– Realm of History

THEODOSIUS CISTERN - 3

FATIH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Iranian artist Ahmet Nejat presented an exhibition titled “Hiç Hali” (meaning “state of nothingness”) inside the cistern. 

The show included a golden globe with the inscription “Aşk ve Hiç” (Love and None) as well as a sound design created with the poems of Rumi.

– Realm of History

THEODOSIUS CISTERN - 2

FATIH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Istanbul regains an important and 1,600-year-old construction which is being opened to service with a solemn, rare and modest presentation today. 

We are starting to live the Istanbul, which we cannot apprehend when we read, today. Therefore, Istanbul begins to show itself. 

It is decorated with important works which carry the traces of old civilizations and beauties again.

– Realm of History

THEODOSIUS CISTERN

FATIH, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

The Theodosius Cistern, one of the most prominent ancient cisterns of Constantinople, has recently opened its doors to the public after an eight-year-long restoration project. 

Lying underneath the modern-day city of Istanbul, with its modern entrance located at Piyer Loti Street in Turkey’s Fatih district, the ancient structure has been restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).

– Realm of History

RUMELI KAHVE & ÇIKOLATA

SIRKECI, FATIH, ISTANBUL

An open letter to these fine makers of chocolate:

I ate chocolate desserts, bought truffles for the road and had hot chocolate at your cafe 5 of the 10 days I was in Istanbul in September.

It was my first trip to the city and I'm so glad I accidentally got off the Tram at Sirkeci instead of Eminonu for the ferry docks.

I wandered into your store, was offered a sample and had more coffee/hot chocolate/snacks there than any place in town -- from the Old City to Golden Horn to Beyoglu to Asian side and beyond.

I am returning to the city in 2017. I purposely booked a small hotel in Sirkeci, just so I'd be a less than 5 minute walk from Rumeli -- for late breakfast, mid-day and even chocolate.

I cannot wait to return.

http://www.rumelicikolatacisi.com/en/homepage

ÜSKÜDAR -- CAFE-LINED STREET

ASIAN SIDE OF BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Yes, the most famous mosques, Topkapi, Ayasofya, Sultanahmet Square, Grand Bazaar and other tourist-friendly places all are on the European side of the Bosphorus.

But if you are in Istanbul for more than three days -- and no one should visit for less than a week to 10 days -- go to the Asian side.

The cost for the ferry is barely more than $1 USD.

The ride is amazing, with views of some of the most important buildings in the world.

Then you arrive in Asia.  It feels the same, looks the same -- though a lot more secular than, say, Fatih on the Eastern side.

Üsküdar is very much worth visiting.

TRADITIONS AND INTRUSIONS -- ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Fatih is one of the most observant areas of old Istanbul.

Women in full Muslim garb is a very common sight.

Fatih also overlaps some of the most popular tourist areas around Sultanahmet Square.

So buildings the surely once housed blacksmiths, tinsmiths, household goods shops and other neighborhood retail have long been converted to host global consumerism.

The juxtaposition of dignified Islamic women.

And the dreaded Golden Arches.

Was too interesting to pass up.