Basilica Cistern(Yerebatan Sarnıcı) The Underground Palace in Istanbul, Turkey

Hey there, folks. Today, we're going to dive into a fascinating piece of history that's right under our feet, the Erebeta, also known as the Basilica System. This incredible underground system from the Byzantine Empire is located in Istanbul, Turkey, and is a true testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the ancient world. Now, let's paint a picture of what it's like to step into this underground palace. As you descend the stairs, you're greeted by the cool, damp air of the system. The floor is made of stone and the walls are lined with intricate columns, some of which are adorned with Medusa heads. The columns are made of marble and date back to the 6th century AD. The system is a massive structure with a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters of water. It was designed to provide water to the great palace of Constantinople, which was located just above it. The water was collected from the Marmara Sea and then distributed to the palace through a series of underground channels. The system was discovered in 1557 by a Frenchman named Petrus Julius, and it has since become a popular tourist attraction. Today, it's a part of the historic center of Istanbul and is a World Heritage Site. Now, let's talk about the restoration of the system. In 1985, the system was in dire need of repair. The water level had dropped and the columns were sinking. A team of experts was brought in to restore the system to its former glory. They pumped in water and the columns were stabilized using steel rods. The system is open to the public and visitors can take a tour to learn more about its history and the engineering feats that went into its construction. The system is also a popular location for a film and photography shoots and has been featured in movies such as, From Russia with Love and James Bond, The Living Daylights. In conclusion, the Yerebatan or Basilica system is a truly remarkable piece of history that's well worth a visit if you're in Istanbul. Its fascinating history, intricate design, and engineering prowess make it a must-see attraction. Thank you for joining me on this journey through time. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up and don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting historical adventures. Until next time, keep exploring!