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Binbirdirek Cistern

Rating 4.7
385 ratings
Closed until tomorrow
+90 540 450 10 01
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İstanbul, Fatih, Binbirdirek Mah., İmran Öktem Cad.
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Museum Binbirdirek Cistern, Istanbul, photo
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İstanbul, Fatih, Binbirdirek Mah., İmran Öktem Cad.
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+90 540 450 10 01
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www.binbirdirek.com.tr

Business hours

Closed until tomorrow
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Guide  ·  11 places
Istanbul’s most fascinating museums: From Ottoman palaces to contemporary art centers
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Sirkeci
700 m
2
SirkeciSirkeciCankurtaran
Sultanahmet
145 m
4
SultanahmetKüçük AyasofyaBeyazıt-Kapalı ÇarşıEminönü İskeleEminonu City Lines 2 Pier
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Rating 4.7
385 ratings
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120 reviews

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Александр Владимиров
Level 30 Local Expert
December 17, 2025
I was here some time ago, so I specifically looked at the map to see which of the many Istanbul cisterns I was in. -) And it turned out to be the Binbirdireck Cistern (also known as the Philoxene). This cistern was the second largest reservoir in Istanbul after the Basilica Cistern. It was built in the 5th century A.D., and Senator Philoxenus supervised the construction process (hence the second name). Then, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks, it fell into disrepair, then garbage was dumped here for decades (if not centuries), and only in the early 2000s did they finally take up the tank - they began to clean it, refine it, and take out the garbage. Of course, it is very impressive - the columns, the soft warm light, the inscriptions carved on the walls... It's just amazing. A true masterpiece of engineering. This is the only Istanbul cistern I've been to, so I can't compare the Binbirdirek Cistern with others. But I can say for sure that this one is very impressive. Yes, the name Binbirdirek means "1001 columns", although there are significantly fewer of them here, "only" 224 -)
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Дмитрий | ТГ: @tastes_and_colors
Level 30 Local Expert
April 23
Also known by the Turkish name Binbirdirek, which translates as "1001 columns". According to the Internet: This is the second largest underground reservoir in Istanbul after the Basilica. There are 224 columns, of which 212 have been preserved to this day. They are made up of two marble parts connected by a stone ring. Exhibitions, concerts, fashion shows and weddings are often held in this cistern.
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2
Михей Андреев
Level 30 Local Expert
March 16
A beautiful architectural monument that was preserved by the Turks. The people who lived before us were great aesthetes and excellent engineers. There are such wonders of the world in two cities of the world - Istanbul and St. Petersburg. There are a lot of fragments left in the world, and there are a lot of them in these two cities! The Turks also added lighting and all kinds of interactive content - it's just a great sight. Of course, everything has become expensive, but what can we do? Highly recommend it!
See original · Русский
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