{"id":21440,"date":"2021-01-22T13:50:07","date_gmt":"2021-01-22T10:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/?p=21440"},"modified":"2025-10-27T12:41:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T09:41:46","slug":"maglova-aqueduct","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/maglova-aqueduct\/","title":{"rendered":"A tranquil masterpiece in Istanbul: Ma\u011flova Aqueduct"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
The magnificent Ma\u011flova Aqueduct stands as one of the most stunning engineering feats of the Ottoman Empire’s complex water supply system for Istanbul. Designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, this monumental structure is a testament to 16th-century hydraulic genius, boasting two tiers of graceful arches. Its imposing yet elegant form not only solved a critical infrastructure problem but also left behind an enduring masterpiece of architectural history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aquaducts of Istanbul<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the capital city of civilizations throughout history, Istanbul gives its inhabitants many gifts. The city\u2019s advantageous geographical location is among these.\u00a0 However, Istanbul is built on a massive fault line and therefore vulnerable to earthquakes. To evade the deadly outcome of earthquakes, people built wooden structures, yet this time old Istanbul suffered from city-wide fires. And then there\u2019s the water issue. Though surrounded by sea on three sides, this ancient city has experienced clean water shortages throughout its long history.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the Roman Era, aqueducts were constructed to address the city\u2019s water needs. The aqueduct system extended from the clean water sources north of Istanbul into the city center, and the water was stored in cisterns. One of the most well-known aqueducts from this period is the Bozdogan (Valens), along the road from Unkapani to Aksaray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
During the rule of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, repairs to some of the Byzantine era aqueducts were made. When water shortages occurred during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, a number of Roman aqueducts \u2013 previously destroyed \u2013 were also repaired under the supervision of Mimar Sinan. As well, the construction of new aqueducts took place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of these structures are still in use today, and offer a great sightseeing opportunity for history and architecture buffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A genius of Istanbul: Mimar Sinan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Born in central Anatolia, Mimar Sinan came from A\u011f\u0131rnas village, near Kayseri. He is known as the architect of the Suleymaniye Mosque, but his projects include nearly four hundred structures, including madrassahs, aqueducts, shrines, bridges, caravansarays, hammams and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mimar Sinan described himself as having “once wandered around the Arab and Acem (Persian) countries in the sultan’s service, increasing his knowledge by examining the top of every palace dome and every ruined corner”. He was a janissary for seventeen years and observed a variety of architectural styles during his service. He won the admiration of Suleiman the Magnificent and became the chief architect when he built a bridge across the Prut River, for the army to cross. Mimar Sinan\u2019s works span a wide geography from Damascus to Sofia, from Mecca to Budin. In Istanbul, he oversaw the building of Istanbul’s sewers, water systems, sidewalks and shrines; the construction of Istanbul during Mimar Sinan\u2019s half-century as chief architect demonstrates his great influence. He died at the age of 98. Somewhat ironically, considering that he helped solve Istanbul\u2019s water problems, Mimar Sinan did not have a fountain in his home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mimar](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/selimiye-mosque-1024x683.jpg\")
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