New Life for a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern in Istanbul
- Martin
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
The 1,600-year-old Şerefiye Cistern, also known as the Theodosius Cistern, has opened the summer exhibition Dün ile Bugün - and perhaps the cistern has finally found a new identity.
When the light show disappeared earlier this year, I felt that Şerefiye Cistern had lost something that made it special.
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For years, the spectacular 360-degree light and video experience had been an important part of a visit. Not necessarily because the show was perfect, but because it gave the cistern an identity of its own alongside the far more famous Basilica Cistern.
After the show was removed, I returned for another visit. I left disappointed, with the feeling that Şerefiye Cistern had lost part of its identity and had not yet found a new one.
That is why I was particularly curious when the cistern opened its new summer exhibition, Dün ile Bugün (Yesterday and Today), by Turkish artist Seçkin Pirim.
And I have to admit that I left feeling pleasantly surprised and once again hopeful about this magical place.
Art and Architecture Strengthen Each Other
What struck me most is that the art does not take attention away from the cistern.
Quite the opposite.
The works highlight the columns, the water, the reflections and the impressive depth of the underground space. At the same time, the cistern provides a setting unlike almost any other.
The result is that both become stronger through the encounter.
It is not the first time contemporary art has worked well in a historic setting in Istanbul. Both the Basilica Cistern and the Gülhane Cistern have previously demonstrated how modern artworks can add new perspectives to the city’s Byzantine heritage.
In my opinion, Şerefiye Cistern now joins that tradition.
More Than an Alternative
This spring’s political dispute over the Basilica Cistern has also brought renewed attention to Şerefiye Cistern.
Perhaps that is no bad thing.
After visiting the new exhibition, I feel it would be a mistake to view the cistern merely as an alternative to its more famous neighbour.
With this exhibition, it seems to have gained something it has been missing.
A new identity.
Not as a backup plan, but as an attraction worth visiting in its own right.
Practical Information
Dün ile Bugün by Seçkin Pirim is on display at Şerefiye Cistern (Theodosius Cistern) until 31 August 2026. Skip the line tickets here
Explore the cistern in this 360° photo: Drag to look around:
