04.06.2026 16:21
After the Basilica Cistern, considered one of Istanbul's most important cultural heritages, was evacuated following its transfer from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to the General Directorate of Foundations two days ago, a surprising decision came from the Court of Appeals. The court issued a stay of execution regarding the transfer of the Basilica Cistern to the General Directorate of Foundations.
The ownership of the Historical Basilica Cistern located in Fatih Sultanahmet was transferred from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Kultur A.S. to the General Directorate of Foundations by a court decision, and the evacuation procedures of the historical structure were completed after the transfer. Following the evacuation, a surprising decision came from the Court of Appeals.
STAY OF EXECUTION DECISION
The 8th Administrative Case Chamber of the Istanbul Regional Administrative Court issued a stay of execution regarding the transfer of the Basilica Cistern from IBB to the General Directorate of Foundations. The Basilica Cistern was taken from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) on June 2 and transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
EVACUATED 2 DAYS AGO
The ownership of the Basilica Cistern, located on Istanbul's historical peninsula and considered one of the most important cultural heritages surviving from the Byzantine period to the present day, changed in accordance with the Foundations Law No. 5737 by the decision of the Istanbul 8th Regional Administrative Court. The evacuation of the historical structure, claimed to be occupied by IBB, was ordered.
Time was given to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Kultur A.S. to evacuate the cistern, and after the decision became final, transfer procedures were carried out between the relevant institutions, and the ownership of the historical structure passed to the General Directorate of Foundations, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. With the official transfer of ownership to the Foundations, the Basilica Cistern was evacuated 2 days ago. It was noteworthy that the evacuation procedure took place while tourists were waiting in line at the entrance gate for visits.
The ticket booths used by IBB during the operation period were dismantled, and it was stated that the historical structure would be closed to visitors until new ticket booths, to be established by the General Directorate of Foundations, become operational.