Cistern

Editor's Note

Cistern, near Konak, İzmir, is an ancient settlement — one more stratum in Anatolia's long archaeological record, where successive civilizations left their mark on the landscape.

Story

Hidden within the historic fabric of Konak, the Cistern stands as a witness to the water management system of ancient Izmir. Built in the Late Antique period, this structure has survived to the present day as a deep reservoir solidly constructed from stone and mortar. Although its chambers, located below ground level, were gradually buried beneath layers of earth over time, they have been brought to light through archaeological excavations. Reflecting the architectural techniques of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the Cistern is a fine example of the skill and organization that the civilizations of Anatolia brought to water architecture. Situated close to the port of Izmir, it was a strategic structure that met the essential needs of the ancient city. Its archaeological layers tell the rich history of Konak, stretching from the Hellenistic era to the Ottoman period. During your visit, you can explore the remains from other periods in the Konak district alongside this ancient structure. A morning stroll through the historic streets is recommended for a journey into Izmir's past.

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