Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh and the youngest brother of Britain’s King Charles paid a visit to the renowned Basilica Cistern Museum situated in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Fatih district on Tuesday.
The museum’s restoration team, along with officials from the Istanbul city government, extended a warm welcome to Prince Edward. Kenan Poleo, the British consul general in Istanbul, was also present during the visit.
Prince Edward had the opportunity to observe the ongoing excavation work conducted as part of the restoration process of this Byzantine-era cistern. He also received an explanation from city officials regarding an Ottoman-era water gauge, including its operational principles.
Edward was briefed by Mahir Polat, a top official at the city government, on why the cistern is historically significant for Istanbul.
Lutgarde Vandeput, head of the British Institute in the capital Ankara, said the prince visited the basilica “to see whether all these past practices … past water management, whether it could be of interest and of importance for present-day water management challenges.”
Edward arrived in Türkiye on Monday for a three-day visit.
Located on the historic peninsula of Sarayburnu, walking distance from both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque, the cisterns are famed for their unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
The underground cistern was built in 542 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to supply the Great Palace of Constantinople – as the city was then known – with clean water. The cistern is home to a striking sculpture of the mythological monster Medusa, along with other memorable sights.
Breaking News Turkey with AA