Istanbul - Kandilli Observatory, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, 3/30/2006

Home > Adventures Abroad > Turkey 2006 > Istanbul - Kandilli Observatory, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, 3/30/2006

Istanbul - Kandilli Observatory, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, 3/30/2006

Royal Loge252 viewsThe retiring rooms of the Royal Loge were the headquarters of the Grand Vizier during the suppression of the Janissary Corps in 1826.

First Glimpse of Hagia Sophia239 viewsMarvin and Attila contemplate Hagia Sophia through the frame of a gateway to the forecourt of the Blue Mosque.

Basilica Cistern273 viewsThis huge underground cistern was built in the reign of Justinian (527-565 AD) to provide a filtered water supply for the Imperial Palace and surrounding area.

Supporting columns240 views336 marble columns support the ceiling of the Cistern. Each column is 9 metres (30 ft) high. They are arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns spaced 5 metres (16 ft) apart.

Walkways201 viewsOriginally the only way to navigate around the Basilica Cistern was by boat. The platforms and walkways were built for the tourist trade, and the Cistern is left mostly empty for the same reason.

Entertainment Value270 viewsThe Basilica Cistern has been featured in a number of movies, including the James Bond thriller From Russia With Love, in which Bond took advantage of its location under the Soviet Consulate to get access to a cryptographic machine. In reality, the Consulate is nowhere near the Cistern.

Column Capital208 viewsThe Basilica Cistern was constructed with columns salvaged from ruins of older buildings, brought to Constantinople from all parts of the Roman Empire.

The Hen's Eye Column190 viewsA column engraved with raised pictures of a hen's eye, slanted branches, and tears. Legend says that the tears pay tribute to the many slaves who died during the construction of the Cistern.

Medusa Heads247 viewsThere are two marble Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern, both used as column pedestals. Their origin is unknown. This one is upside-down.

Upside-down Medusa Head265 viewsWhy is this head placed upside-down? Legend says that it was to ward off the evil power of the Medusa's gaze, which turned people to stone. Did people really think that a marble carving could have such powers? Or was there a more practical reason?

Sideways Medusa Head275 viewsIt is thought that this Medusa head was placed sideways because only that orientation made it the right height to support the column which it supported.

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Event Horizon - Astronomical and Terrestrial Images

Istanbul - Kandilli Observatory, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, 3/30/2006