People visit the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
ISTANBUL, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's most remarkable historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Byzantine Empire.
Constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the cistern was designed to store and supply water to the Great Palace and other key structures of the city.
Spanning approximately 9,800 square meters, it has the capacity to hold tens of thousands of tons of water, demonstrating the advanced hydraulic engineering of its time.
Photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a view of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a view of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
People visit the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a view of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
People visit the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a view of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
People visit the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Türkiye, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)■