Editing Basilica Cistern (section)

==Features==
This cathedral-size<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zararia |first=Priti|title=Basilica Cistern |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/basilica-cistern/articleshow/58460340.cms |access-date=2024-02-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> cistern is an underground chamber approximately {{convert|138|m}} by {{convert|65|m}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibb.gov.tr/sites/ks/en-US/1-Places-To-Go/museum/Pages/basilica-cistern.aspx |title=The Basilica Cistern |access-date=2010-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208215523/http://www.ibb.gov.tr/sites/ks/en-US/1-Places-To-Go/museum/Pages/basilica-cistern.aspx |archive-date=2010-12-08 |url-status=dead}}</ref> – about {{convert|9800|m2}} in area – capable of holding {{convert|80000|m3}} of water.<ref name="auto"/> The ceiling is supported by a forest of 336<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN,113825/yerebatan-palace-cistern.html |title=Yerebatan Palace (Cistern)}}</ref> [[marble]] columns, each {{convert|9|m}} high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each spaced {{convert|5|m}} apart. The [[Capital (architecture)|capitals]] of the columns are mainly in the [[Ionic order|Ionic]] and [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] style, with the exception of a few [[Doric order|Doric]] capitals with no engravings. One of the columns is carved with raised pictures of a Hen's Eye, slanted branches, and tears, and resembles the columns of the  4th-century [[Forum of Theodosius#Triumphal arch|Triumphal Arch of Theodosius I]] (AD 379–395), erected in the [[Forum of Theodosius|'Forum Tauri' Square]], today's [[Beyazıt Square]]. The majority of the columns in the cistern appear to have been recycled from the ruins of older buildings (a process called [[Spolia|'spoliation']]), likely brought to Constantinople from various parts of the empire, together with those that were used in the construction of [[Hagia Sophia]]. They are carved out of different types of marble and granite.<ref name=yerebatan />

Fifty-two stone steps descend into the cistern which is surrounded by a [[firebrick]] wall with a thickness of {{convert|4|m}} and coated with a waterproofing mortar. The Basilica Cistern's water came from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Centre in the [[Belgrad Forest|Belgrade Forest]], which lie {{convert|19|km}} north of the city. It traveled via the {{convert|971|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} [[Valens Aqueduct|Valens (Bozdoğan) Aqueduct]], and the original {{convert|115|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} Mağlova Aqueduct, which was built by the Emperor Justinian.<ref name=yerebatan />

The weight of the cistern is carried on the columns by means of the cross-shaped vaults and round arches of its roof.

The Basilica Cistern has been restored several times since its original creation. The first repairs were carried out in the 18th century during the reign of the Ottoman sultan [[Ahmed III]] in 1723 by the architect Muhammad Ağa of [[Kayseri]]. The second major repair was completed during the 19th century reign of [[Abdul Hamid II|Sultan Abdulhamid II]] (1876–1909). Cracks in the masonry and damaged columns were repaired in 1968, with additional restoration in 1985 by the Istanbul Metropolitan Museum. During the 1985 restoration, 50,000 tons of mud were removed from the cistern, and platforms were erected to replace the boats previously used for touring the cistern. The cistern was opened to the public on 9 September 1987. It underwent additional cleaning In May 1994. Then in 2017 it was once again closed for restoration and earthquake-proofing, reopening to the public in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sabah |first=Daily |date=2022-07-24 |title=Istanbul's Basilica Cistern reopens after restoration |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/istanbuls-basilica-cistern-reopens-after-restoration/news |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Daily Sabah |language=en-US}}</ref>