Beneath our feet lies history. Here stands the Aqueduct of Valens also known as Bozdoğan Kemeri. It is a testament to engineering prowess and the enduring quest for water. This aqueduct is not just a bridge of stone. It’s a bridge through time.
Imagine Constantinople in the late 4th century AD. Emperor Valens sought to provide water to his growing capital. Thus began the construction of this remarkable aqueduct. It became a vital artery for the city.
The Aqueduct of Valens was part of an extensive water system. This system stretched over 268 kilometers initially. Later, it was extended by 451 kilometers. This brought water from distant springs to the heart of Constantinople.
Look closely at the arches. They tell a story of empires and restoration. Arches one through 40 and 46 through 51 date back to the time of Valens. Sultan Mustafa II added arches 41 through 45. Suleiman the Magnificent built arches 52 through 56. Each section reflects the architectural style of its era.
Consider the sheer scale of this project. The aqueduct spans 921 meters. Its bridge section soars over Ataturk Boulevard. It connects the hills once occupied by Istanbul University and the Fatih Mosque.
Interestingly, the aqueduct’s construction may have used stones from Chalcedon’s walls. These walls were torn down as punishment for a revolt.
Water flowed through this aqueduct into open-air reservoirs and underground cisterns. The Basilica Cistern was one such storage space. These cisterns held over one million cubic meters of water.
Even after the fall of Constantinople, the aqueduct remained in use. Ottoman sultans recognized its value. They repaired and enhanced the system. Water from here supplied Topkapi Palace.
However, the Aqueduct of Valens suffered damage. The Avars cut it during the siege of 626. Earthquakes and neglect also took their toll. Yet, each time, it was restored demonstrating its enduring importance.
In the 1950s, the aqueduct still discharged over 6000 cubic meters of water daily. The Aqueduct of Valens is a symbol of Istanbul’s past. It represents Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ingenuity. Its arches still carry echoes of emperors and engineers. It serves as a reminder that even the most ancient structures can continue to inspire awe.