Türkiye’s Basilica Cistern transferred to foundations directorate

One of Istanbul’s most visited historical landmarks, the Basilica Cistern, has been transferred to the administration of the Directorate General of Foundations under Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The site was restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Cultural Heritage during the tenure of the city's detained and suspended mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

According to Haberturk, the transfer was carried out on the basis of a court ruling. As a result, all management and operational responsibilities for the cistern have been assumed by teams from the Directorate General of Foundations and the Fatih District Governorate, CE Report quotes BTA.

The media outlets adds that the ticket booths previously installed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality at the entrance to the cistern have been dismantled and are being replaced with new ones. The site will remain closed to visitors while renovation work is under way. Following its restoration by the municipality, admission fees had been set at TRY 1 for Turkish citizens upon presentation of a valid identity document and TRY 1,500 (approximately EUR 28) for foreign visitors.

The Basilica Cistern is not the first historical site in Istanbul to be taken over from the metropolitan municipality and transferred to the Directorate General of Foundations.

In March 2021, ownership of Gezi Park was transferred to the Sultan Beyazit Hani Veli Hazretleri Foundation. At the time, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said in a post on X that the transfer had been carried out "to obstruct the architectural redevelopment of Taksim Square."

Several other landmark properties, including Galata Tower, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Hospital, Pera Palace Hotel, Selimiye Barracks, Adile Sultan Palace, Vefa High School, and the Sait Halim Pasa Mansion, have also been transferred to the Directorate General of Foundations.

The Basilica Cistern was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was specifically designed to store water for the imperial palace and the surrounding areas. Particularly striking are its rows of columns rising from the water-filled chamber. The site has attracted worldwide attention, especially because of its marble Medusa heads.

Photo: Wikipedia