Istanbuls need of water has been a problem for centuries. During the Roman period Istanbuls water requirements were met by water brought from distant parts of Thrace. The Byzantines built large cisterns in order to be able to withstand long sieges.
The Binbirdirek Cistern (1001 Columns), which was built by the order of Philoksenos, (a Senate member in the Constantinus I period of the 4th century) under Lausus Palace is located between >Sultanahmet and Beyazit, just across from the Adalet Sarayi (Justice Palace). This cistern covering an area of 3.640 sq.mt and having a capacity of 325.000 sq.cb. water is the second biggest cistern in Istanbul after Yerebatan. Binbirdirek measuring 66x56 m. was carried by 224 columns consisting of 16 rows each one having 14 columns all of which are equal in length, and every column carries the signature of its master. There is a thick overlapping astragal running round the columns carrying the vaults and arches and they are in the form of a truncated pyramid and are without decoration.The relief cross on one of the columns is good proof that the cistern was built in the 4th century, after the Byzantine accepted Christianity. In order to construct ceilings 14-15 meters height, a second layer of columns were fixed over the marble rings on the first layer of columns. When the palace was destroyed in the 6th century the cistern was restored. After the Ottomans conquest of Istanbul in 1453, new cisterns were built and Binbirdirek Cistern was not used anymore. Fazly Pasa then built a mansion over the walls of the cistern and the cistern was then used for supplying water. When the mansion was destroyed as a result of a fire, the cistern was converted to silk atelier and then various houses were built over it in course of time. The cistern was restored recently and the ground was raised for safety reasons. Today the original ground can only be seen at the center of the pool area. The site is open everyday.  Today the cistern is the host of an a la carte restaurant, a wine house, a hubble-bubble café and various stands. Dont forget to keep your ticket for a free beverage inside.