Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

My World - Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

A visit to the Basilica Cistern was an unintended visit, but glad we decided to go at the last minute. The underground cistern is a short distance away from the Blue mosque and it was built in the 6th century. It used to store water for the city, but was forgotten and left unattended until the Ottomans conquered the city. The cistern was rediscovered in the 16th century and then used to water the gardens of Topkapi Palace.



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There are 336 marble columns, compose of 12 rows of 28 columns each and it has the capacity of of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water.


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The place is dimly lit, slightly eerie and very dramatic in a delightful way. The sounds of soft classical music and the constant water dripping sends shivers down our spines but trust me, it's still worth a visit.


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Even though the walkway seems to be quite dark, I was glad to be able to take a few good shots under low light conditions. I discovered that some scenes from the James Bond movie 'From Russia with Love' were filmed here too.


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It's also interesting to see fish swimming in the shallow water beneath the walkways. And at the end of the tour you can also throw a coin or two and make a wish .


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Whilst walking along the walkways we came across the bases of two columns blocks carved with the face of Medusa. One has been placed upside down and the other in side way.

I bet most of you have heard legendary stories of the Gorgon Medusa. She had snakes on her head and everyone who looked at her would turned to stone. I guess the heads placed in this manner could have provided protection from her evil glare! There's more to the legend, or Greek mythology, but it seems like the stories of Medusa are often contradictory, so it's difficult to tell which myth is correct.

We spent around 30 minutes wandering around taking pictures. And it's a refreshing change from the usual tourist hotspots that we've visited but the only thing to beware of are the signs warning you about the slippery steps and they're not kidding!

That's My World

27 comments:

  1. How cool! I love the way it's lit in there. It does really make for eerie photos, you're right. What a great last minute stop!

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  2. What a fantastic and interesting place! It would be a bit spooky with the red lighting, but what fun to see! Love the fish and the faces of Medusa! Superb captures for the day! Hope you have a great week!

    Sylvia

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  3. my friend went there and she was telling me how amazing this place truly is. of course your images are way better than hers. superb shots.

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  4. That is really stunning and I would love to visit that place! I love water and water features as well as ancient places so it would certainly appeal to me. I love the medusas! I think you are right about why they were placed upside down and sideways.

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  5. The first thing i thought of was that a few scenes from the James Bond Movie From Russia With Love was filmed in the Basilica Cistern but i doubt whether the submarine periscope was ever installed as shown in the movie :-).

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  6. quite an interesting place! i really like the lights..as you said eerie but interesting. nice post! My world entry is here.

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  7. Wow that looks so beautiful. Specially the lightnings under the pillars.

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  8. what a fantastic adventure into the depths of the earth..nice shots!! :)

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  9. What a cool place to visit, the lighting and reflections are amazing. Great photos.

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  10. I would love to see a place like that - great photos in such low light!

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  11. What a fabulous place. Thanks for explaining it. Makes me think of a human-made cavern.

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  12. I wonder what would happen if Medusa’s heads were placed upright. :) I guess we are superstitious as ever since we drop coins in the water for luck. These are great shots. The lighting is not conducive to photographs but does lend a sense of mystery to the scene.

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  13. Wow! I reallylike the first photo, LR.

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  14. Wow...the cistern looks damn majestic. :D

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  15. Hmmm...those fish are koi? How come a lot of them are....grey?

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  17. This place is gorgeous! What an experience!

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  18. Luckily Medusa is harmless, for now. hehe....

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  19. Excellent prospects beautifully lit, lastodas are beautiful.

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  20. I have never heard of such a thing. Wonderful photographs and fascinating information.

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  21. Hi sweetie!!!! Long time no talk! :) I am here today, just been chilling and forgetting my worries by watching a lot of TV..hope u are doing okay.. :)

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  22. You are right! It look eerie in a dramatic way but still so magnificent.. love the dim lights...

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  23. And that Medusa head is cool too.. spooky but cool! :)

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  24. Thanks for sharing LR, and have a wonderful week! :D

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  25. The Basilica Cistern's interior looks awesome though a bit eerie like you said : )

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  26. fascinating place!
    I just love those fish!

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  27. Was worried that this place is slippery but glad that there are signs saying that, at least, you'll be reminded. I love the lighting in this place, really creates a lot of drama highlighting the striking features of this basilica. Awesome photos, LR. :)

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