Layers of Istanbul: Exploring Underground Heritage of Historic Peninsula
Location: Fatih, Istanbul
Facilitator: Kerim Altuğ
Organizer: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Heritage
Language: English
Date / Time: October 6, 14:00-18:00
This urban route offers participants a unique opportunity to explore Istanbul's underground treasures, guided by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Heritage team. The journey includes visits to three fascinating landmarks: Bukoleon Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Saraçhane Excavation House.
Bukoleon Palace, also known as the Hormisdas Palace and the House of Justinian, comes from the sculptures of a lion and a bull in combat that once stood in front of the palace. The palace's construction date is somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century. The palace faced significant damage over the years, particularly in the Ottoman period and during the construction of the Rumeli Railway Line in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, restoration work began in 2020 under the supervision of the Cultural Assets Department, with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Heritage team leading the efforts.
The Basilica Cistern, constructed during the 6th century by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian, is the largest enclosed cistern in Istanbul. Its vaulted structure houses 336 columns, each standing 9 meters tall, and has a capacity of 80,000 tons of water. For centuries, the Basilica Cistern supplied water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Heritage team took over restoration work in 2020, removing 1,500 tons of concrete and strengthening the structure against earthquakes.
The Saraçhane Excavation House, also known as the Polyeuktos Church, was built between AD 524 and 527 in honor of Saint Polyeuktos by Anicia Juliana. It is considered a significant structure in Byzantine art as the first basilica with a dome. The excavations conducted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Heritage team in 2022 and 2023 revealed various artifacts, including 681 bronze coins, ceramics, lamps, glassware, and metal artifacts. The ongoing work also unearthed two additional spaces belonging to the church and several sculptural fragments, including a possible Pan statue and tombstones to the north. The remnants and sculptures found northwest of the church's main structure may be associated with Anicia Juliana's palace.
Notes:
The tour will commence in front of the Istanbul Congress Center.
All participants are required to be present in the area by 13:30 with their tour tickets.
Shuttles will be available to transport participants to the starting point of the route.