Aqueduct of Valens : The Water Bridge Rising Over History
Stretching majestically over one of the busiest avenues in Istanbul's Fatih district, the Aqueduct of Valens (officially Bozdoğan Su Kemeri) is not just an architectural structure but a vital segment of the water supply system for both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This monumental archway, which has stood for centuries, makes a magnificent contribution to the silhouette of the Historical Peninsula and remains a time-defying example of engineering genius.
Historical Depth: The Water Line from Rome to Istanbul
The history of the Aqueduct of Valens dates back to the late 4th century during the Roman Empire.
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Construction and Patron: The aqueduct is named after the Byzantine Emperor Valens, who had it constructed between 368 and 375 AD. The primary goal of its construction was to deliver water from the Belgrade Forest uninterruptedly to the growing population of Istanbul (Constantinople).
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Bringing Water to the City: The aqueduct was the most complex and visible part of the city's water channels. Water flowed over this arch, distributing to important Byzantine structures like the Hagia Sophia and the Great Palace, as well as to underground cisterns (such as the Basilica Cistern).
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Usage in the Ottoman Period: After the conquest of Istanbul, the Ottoman Empire repaired and continued to use this vital water system. It underwent major restorations by Mimar Sinan during the reigns of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and later Sultans (especially Süleyman the Magnificent), allowing it to serve the city's water needs for hundreds of more years.
Architectural Features: Monumental Engineering
The Aqueduct of Valens is one of the most successful examples of Roman engineering, noted for both its durability and aesthetic appearance.
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Structure and Dimensions: The aqueduct is built entirely from stone and durable brick. While its original length is thought to have exceeded 1 kilometer, the section that survives today measures approximately 971 meters (3,186 feet) long. The height of the arch reaches about 29 meters (95 feet) at its highest point.
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Double-Tiered Arches: What makes the aqueduct unique is its structure of arches stacked one above the other in two tiers. This double-tiered design increased both the height and the stability, while also providing a monumental appearance.
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Varying Arch Widths: The fact that the openings of the arches differ in width between the lower and upper tiers was designed to optimally distribute the structure's weight and create an aesthetic rhythm.
Tip for Tourists: Visiting the Aqueduct of Valens means understanding how Ancient Rome and Byzantium contributed to modern city planning. Spanning over a heavily trafficked roadway today, this aqueduct offers one of the most striking intersections between history and the present day.
Are you ready to pass beneath this magnificent engineering marvel that has stood firm over history for sixteen hundred years and feel the journey of the water from that era?