After many years of neglect, the Gülhane Park Cistern has been restored and revitalized by the meticulous conservation work of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Heritage teams under the Department of Urban History and Promotion. The authentic texture of the cistern has been revealed, and the interior has been redesigned with contemporary lighting to function as a new social and cultural venue, capable of hosting talks, concerts, and various events.

The nearby historic fountain, adjacent to the Gülhane Cistern and bearing an inscription dated H. 1329 / M. 1911, has also been repaired and brought back into use. This graceful Baroque-style fountain, now flowing again, brings new life to city life.

Located inside Gülhane Park, one of Istanbul’s important meeting places, Gülhane Art continues to welcome art enthusiasts with a variety of exhibitions and cultural events.

About the Gülhane Cistern

Discovered in 1913, the wall remains above the cistern suggest that another structure once stood above it. Wulzinger notes that the cistern may have originally been built as the substructure for a monastery or a bathhouse.

At one point, the Gülhane Park Cistern was used as an aquarium; during this time, a staircase was added for visitor entry, metal plates were installed on the floor for lighting, and iron clamps were attached to the columns. The adjacent Baroque-style fountain, with its 1911 inscription, was renovated by Cemil Topuzlu.