14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Sunken Palace

While visiting Istanbul, we read about this 6th century architecture, the Basilica Cistern, and decided to visit. I was quite amazed by this engineering marvel. I was even more stunned how this magnificent structure was still in such good condition, despite being forgotten for centuries and then again neglected when discovered during Ottoman rule.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2015
Date Uploaded: 08.2016
Photo Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Copyright: © Osman Sharif