Theodosius Cistern is a part of the Valens water system which was providing water to Istanbul. In the period of Theodosius II, the ruined water system was repaired, and this structure was constructed for directing the water to the monuments of “Nymphaeum” which was dedicated to Great Palace and the Nymphs and to the “Zeuksippos Baths”.

Cistern is located under the old Eminönü Municipality building, in old Eminönü/today’s Fatih district, on the main street which follow the antique Mese road coming from in front of Hagia Sophia. The cistern, which was approximately built 1500 years ago, is dated the era of II.

Theodosius (408-450). Since there is no building inscription in archives, it is claimed that the cistern is a Byzantine structure. Theodosius Cistern is also called by the name of the street that it is located: Şerefiye Cistern. The cistern sits on a rectangular plan, which the internal dimensions are 41.30m x 23.75m. The structure is passed by 32 columns and 45 vaults.

The entrance of the cistern is from Piyer Loti Street with a 1.63m door on an alternating wall from the 19th century Ottoman addition. The structure is 11m average from the ground until the inside of the vault. The 5th century cistern’s columns, capitals and bases are specially produced for the cistern.

The restoration of the cistern has two objects. One of them is the cistern itself. The supervisor of the restoration is Conservation Specialist Master Architect Erkan Kambek. The other object is the contemporary addition designed as a foyer-entrance by Master Engineer and Architect Cafer Bozkurt. This contemporary addition has been awarded with the 1st prize for Conservation within National Architecture Prizes by TMMOB Chamber of Architects.

Material Used:

1. Glass Panel

2. Steel

3. Wooden like Covering

4. Brick

5. Marble