Zeyrek Cistern – Construction

Construction

1118

1136 (Fixed date)

Since the cistern supplied the Pantokrator monastery, it is likely that the cistern was built at the same time as the monastery complex, i.e. between 118 and 1136 , and not (much) earlier although an earlier date, perhaps even the sixth century, cannot be ruled out.

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The cistern measures approximately 18 by 55m, with two rows of seven columns and four piers supporting the vaults in the interior. These piers are a special feature because there are no other examples of them in relation to cisterns. The columns contain twelve impost blocks (spolia of an uncertain date), of which nine have a cross on opposite sides.

(Crow et al., 2008, p. 139) mentions that two columns contain a capital, a double one of Justinianic date and the other a seventh century copy of a Justinianic composite capital but these capitals apparently are to be found in the so-called Ibadethane Street Cisterns nearby (see https://www.thebyzantinelegacy.com/pantokrator-monastery).