The Şerefiye Cistern (Theodosius Cistern), located in Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula, is one of the oldest water structures with a history of approximately 1,600 years. Based on its architectural features, it is believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (408–450).
The cistern covers an area of approximately 24 × 40 meters. Its ceiling is supported by 45 sail vaults and 32 marble columns. The column capitals were made using Marmara Island marble and are decorated with stylized acanthus leaves. The walls are coated with waterproof plaster, the corners are curved to resist water pressure, and the wall thickness is about 2.5 meters.
It was rediscovered in 2010 after a demolition carried out by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and was opened to visitors as a museum in 2018 following a meticulous restoration. It is now protected by a glass and steel entrance structure, and its surroundings have been transformed into an archaeological park.
Technologically, Şerefiye Cistern is the first structure in Turkey and, structurally, the oldest in the world to integrate a 360° projection mapping system. This project, implemented in cooperation with TUCE Investment by Kültür A.Ş., invites visitors on a historical journey with its theme “Water Civilization of Istanbul.”
The show consists of five main parts: introduction, Istanbul's water routes, Byzantine period, Ottoman period, and Republican period. It has a total duration of approximately 10 minutes (some sources state 9 minutes 40 seconds) and is shown every day between 09:00 and 18:00, at the beginning of each hour. The show was designed without damaging the architectural fabric—no nails were used—and the projection systems are protected with special enclosures due to high humidity conditions.
This innovative experience has been awarded the Platinum Muse Creative Award in the category of “Best Experiential & Immersive Project.”