02.06.2026 11:30
One of Istanbul's most important tourist spots, the Basilica Cistern, was evacuated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality today and officially transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations. Following the evacuation, the historical structure was closed to visitors until new ticket booths are set up.
The transfer process for the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's most important historical structures, has been completed. The historical building, transferred from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) to the General Directorate of Foundations, was evacuated today.
EVACUATED WHILE TOURISTS WERE IN LINE
The Basilica Cistern, extensively restored by IBB Heritage during the tenure of detained former IBB President Ekrem Imamoglu and having become one of the city's most visited points in recent years, was vacated today at 10:00 AM.
It was noteworthy that the evacuation process took place while tourists were queuing at the entrance gate for visits.
TRANSFERRED TO THE FOUNDATIONS
Following the completion of the evacuation procedures, the management of the Basilica Cistern officially passed to the General Directorate of Foundations. Thus, the implementation process of the previously made transfer decision was also completed.
WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL NEW TICKET BOOTHS ARE INSTALLED
While the ticket booths used during IBB's operation period were dismantled, it was learned that the historical structure will remain closed to visitors until new ticket booths installed by the General Directorate of Foundations become operational.
When the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's most important cultural heritages, will start accepting visitors again has not yet been announced.
COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF THE FOUNDATIONS
The objection made by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality regarding the real estate, which was transferred to foundation ownership under Law No. 5737 on Foundations by the General Directorate of Foundations, was rejected by the court.
In the official notification sent to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the real estate was requested to be evacuated within the specified period. While the evacuation process initiated for the Basilica Cistern, registered under abandoned foundations, was completed, the court ruled in favor of the General Directorate of Foundations in the filed lawsuit. Thus, the Basilica Cistern came under the management of the General Directorate of Foundations.
As part of the studies conducted by the General Directorate of Foundations, foundation-origin real estates owned by the treasury, municipalities, and different public institutions are being registered under foundations as a result of legal processes. The conducted procedures aim to preserve foundation works in their original form, transfer them to future generations, and keep the will of the founder alive.
NOT THE FIRST EXAMPLE
The Basilica Cistern is not the first historical structure transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations. In March 2021, it was announced that the ownership of Taksim Gezi Park had passed to the Sultan Beyazit Han Veli Hazretleri Foundation.
In the subsequent period, it was revealed that many historical structures such as Galata Tower, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Hospital, Pera Palas Hotel, Selimiye Barracks, Adile Sultan Palace, Vefa High School, and Sait Halim Pasha Mansion were also transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations.
IBB HAD APPLIED TO THE JUDICIARY
Following these transfer procedures, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality had taken the matter to court and initiated a legal process. With the evacuation of the Basilica Cistern, a new management era will begin for one of Istanbul's most important cultural heritages.