Theodosius Cistern Restoration

Project Details

Project Description

Şerefiye (Theodosius) Cistern was built between 428 and 443 AD during Byzantine Empire Theodosius, II. period. It is a part of the Valens water system which was providing water to Istanbul. In the period of Theodosius II the ruined water system was repaired and this structure was constructed for directing the water to the monuments of “Nymphaeum” which was dedicated to Great Palace and the Nymphs and to the “Zeuksippos Baths”. The dimensions of the cistern are approximately 45x25 meters and the roof is supported by 32 marble columns at 9 meters height. The roof was covered with 45 domes of 3.30 m in diameter. The cistern’s base was laid with hand made bricks of 0,40x0,40 m in dimensions. The cistern is located in the heart of the historic peninsula of Istanbul, a few steps down from Cemberlitas to Kadırga and in the neighborhood of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The restoration project has two objects. The first one is the cistern itself and the other is the contemporary structure designed by Cafer Bozkurt (Dipl. Eng.-Arch.), for welcoming the visitors of the cistern. The entrance was awarded in the category of Protection and Survival under the National Architecture Awards given by the Chamber of Architects. The restoration project is being carried out by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Works on site has been started from 12.08.2014, by SAFA Restoration San. Construction. Tic. Ltd. The project on site is led by Erkan Kambek, a conservation architect specialized in restoration works.
During the restoration process – primarily - all the dirt and soot are cleaned, and the excess amount of water inside is removed. Afterwards all 32 columns are strengthened by steel ring to avoid any further damages, and steel tie rods are placed to give a structural support to the cistern. There is no wall or floor strengthening. After the structural strengthening phase, architectural completion takes place. Missing parts of the domes are completed with similar but distinguishable materials. The missing bricks on the wall are completed again with similar material but 5cm inside to indicate that they are added later. Cracks on the walls are filled with hydraulic lime mortar and the capillary cracks in the marble columns are filled by epoxy injection. All these interventions are totally visible on purpose to give visitors the feeling of discovering the layers. Before opening the cistern to visitors some additions are made to make the visit easier. An elevator is placed to the entrance, and a self-standing wooden platform is placed on floor to provide a safe and easy path on water for visitors to walk and experience the cistern.