Nakilbent Sarnıcı: Istanbul’s Hidden Gem


Istanbul is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. It has many famous attractions, such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. But there are also some hidden gems that most tourists don’t know about. One of them is Nakilbent Cistern, a subterranean water reservoir that dates back to the Byzantine era.

The Legend of Nakilbent Cistern

Nakilbent Cistern is located in the Fatih district, near the Süleymaniye Mosque. It was built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, as part of a complex water system that supplied the city. The cistern has a rectangular shape, with 224 columns supporting its vaulted ceiling. It can hold up to 40,000 cubic meters of water.

But there is more to this cistern than meets the eye. According to a legend, there is a secret tunnel that connects Nakilbent Cistern to the Basilica Cistern, another famous underground water reservoir in Istanbul. The tunnel was used by the Byzantine emperors to escape from their enemies, or to visit their lovers in secret.

One of these lovers was Nakilbent, a beautiful slave girl who worked in the palace. She caught the eye of Emperor Constantine V, who fell in love with her. He would sneak out of his palace at night, and meet her in the cistern, where they would spend hours in each other’s arms. They named the cistern after her, as a sign of their love.

But their romance was not meant to last. One night, the emperor’s wife, Irene, found out about their affair. She was furious, and plotted to kill Nakilbent. She hired some assassins, and sent them to the cistern, where they waited for the lovers to arrive. When Constantine and Nakilbent entered the cistern, they were ambushed by the killers, who stabbed them to death.

Their bodies were thrown into the water, where they sank to the bottom. Their blood stained the water red, and their souls remained trapped in the cistern, unable to find peace. Some say that if you visit the cistern at night, you can still hear their whispers, and see their shadows in the water.

What to See and Do Near Nakilbent Cistern

If you are interested in visiting Nakilbent Cistern, you should know that it is not open to the public. You need to get a special permission from the Istanbul Municipality, or join a guided tour that has access to the cistern. You can also see the cistern from above, through a glass floor in a café that is built on top of it.

But there are also other things to see and do near the cistern, such as:

  • Süleymaniye Mosque: This is one of the most magnificent mosques in Istanbul, built by the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century. It is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, with a stunning dome, four minarets, and a large courtyard. It also houses the tombs of Süleyman, his wife Hürrem, and other members of the royal family.
  • Süleymaniye Hamam: This is a historical Turkish bath, located next to the Süleymaniye Mosque. It was also built by Süleyman the Magnificent, and designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan. It is a place where you can relax, enjoy a massage, and experience the traditional Turkish bathing culture.
  • Grand Bazaar: This is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets, jewelry, spices, antiques, and souvenirs. It is a maze of colorful and crowded alleys, where you can bargain, shop, and explore. It is also a great place to try some delicious Turkish food, such as kebabs, baklava, and Turkish coffee.

Reviews and Recommendations

Here are some reviews and recommendations from people who have visited Nakilbent Cistern and the nearby attractions:

  • “Nakilbent Cistern is a hidden treasure in Istanbul. It is very impressive and mysterious, and the legend behind it is fascinating. I joined a tour that took me inside the cistern, and it was an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and adventure.” - Ali, from Ankara
  • “Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques I have ever seen. It is very peaceful and serene, and the view from the terrace is amazing. I also visited the Süleymaniye Hamam, and it was very relaxing and enjoyable. The staff was very friendly and professional, and the service was excellent.” - Maria, from Madrid
  • “Grand Bazaar is a must-see in Istanbul. It is a huge and lively market, where you can find anything you want. I bought some nice carpets, jewelry, and spices, and I had a lot of fun bargaining with the sellers. I also ate some delicious food, and drank some strong Turkish coffee. It was a great experience.” - John, from London

Tips and Advice

If you are planning to visit Nakilbent Cistern and the nearby attractions, here are some tips and advice to make your trip more enjoyable:

  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will walk a lot and the weather can be hot or cold depending on the season.
  • Bring a bottle of water and some snacks, as there are not many places to buy them near the cistern.
  • Be respectful of the religious and cultural norms, especially when visiting the mosque and the hamam. Dress modestly, cover your head and shoulders, and remove your shoes before entering. Avoid taking photos or talking loudly inside the mosque.
  • Be careful of pickpockets and scammers in the Grand Bazaar, as they may try to rip you off or sell you fake or low-quality products. Always check the prices and quality before buying, and don’t be afraid to haggle or walk away if you are not satisfied.
  • Enjoy your time and have fun, as Istanbul is a wonderful city with a lot of charm and character.

I hope you liked this blog post about Nakilbent Cistern and the nearby attractions. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. Thank you for reading. 😊

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