Istanbul - Day 1

The Basilica Cistern, a subterranean reservoir, built in the 6th century, provided a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to provide water to the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman Conquest in 1453 and into modern times.

Model of how the cistern looks

The cistern, built by 7,000 slaves during Emperor Justinian's reign, is 143m long and 64m wide and used 336 marble columns. It is capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water, although it's largely empty today.

There are two stone Medusas located in the northeast corner of the cistern. This one is installed sideways, the other upside down. Nobody knows why but they do agree it was deliberate.

The Grand Bazaar apparently has over 4,000 stalls selling everything from clothing, to jewelry, to Turkish delight.