Ottoman and Byzantine-era remains unearthed

During the archaeological excavations in and around the Million Stone, located right next to the Basilica Cistern and is considered the zero point of the world, opposite the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul's Fatih district, the remains of buildings that are believed to be a neighborhood in the Ottoman Empire and walls from the Byzantine era have been unearthed.

Archaeological excavations in and around the Million Stone, one of the most important artifacts that has been preserved since the Ottoman Empire, started in 2019 by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB). At that time, during the arrangement of the Yerebatan Park and its surroundings, the project was expanded after the discovery of archaeological remains, and a water channel was unearthed.

In the archaeological excavations right behind the Million Stone, wall remains from the Byzantine period were unearthed. It was even understood that the Ottomans noticed the Byzantine walls while constructing the structures and used these structures in the foundations of the buildings to make the building more solid.

Also, during the works conducted in the northeast of the water level, it is estimated that there is a cistern structure dating back to the late Ottoman period and a bath adjacent to the water level.

IBB Cultural Heritage Projects Manager Merve Gedik provided information about the archaeological excavations that have been going on for three years and talked about the remains. Stating that there are many buildings remains and works are continuing, Gedik emphasized the importance of the area.

Stating that the Million Stone, consisting of a four-foot domed structure, was made after Istanbul became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, Gedik said the following:

"This was...