Istanbul | Strong reactions for luxury spa in Byzantine cistern next to Hagia Sophia

A Byzantine Empire atmosphere with modern facilities and amenities was enjoyed by clients of a spa in Istanbul, which operated in a space with a 1,500-year-old historic cistern, next to Hagia Sophia. Its revelation shocked Istanbul society, as the spa is housed in a basement of the Hilton hotel.

As reported by Turkish media, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism filed a lawsuit against the Navitas Spa Sarnıç business in 2023, following complaints.

Finally, now, after the reactions, the local municipality of the Fatih district has sealed the business, as its operation in this space raises serious concerns for the preservation of cultural heritage.

The Fatih Municipality investigation revealed that the ancient cistern, located in the Cankurtaran neighborhood, had been converted into a modern spa facility without the proper permit. The unauthorized modifications included a glass addition to the entrance, a 120-centimeter-deep jacuzzi-style pool, and several massage rooms, saunas, and hammams built inside the historic structure.

The spa advertised its services as a unique experience, combining ancient architecture with modern luxury, and offered treatments ranging from Swedish massages and aromatherapy to hot stone therapy and specialized couples packages called Sihr-i Sarnıç.

The cistern, classified as a Group I cultural asset, falls within the Sultanahmet Square Urban Archaeological Site, making it subject to strict conservation regulations. In 2022, the Conservation Areas Board ordered the illegal additions to be removed within six months. However, the business continued its operations, leading to a criminal complaint in December 2023. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, through the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, has since taken action, rejecting the spa’s request for tax exemption in November 2024 due to unresolved violations.

60 co-owners of the reservoir

One of the reasons complicating the case is the reservoir’s complex ownership structure. With nearly 60 co-owners, including both public institutions and private entities, obtaining unanimous approval for restoration efforts has proven difficult. The Regional Directorate of Institutions, which owns only one-tenth of the cistern, said it could not remove the irregularities or prepare a restoration project due to its minority stake.

Fatih Municipality was therefore asked to provide a detailed report on the irregularities and submit approved restoration plans. Its findings included unapproved structural changes that jeopardized the integrity of the historical site. The Ministry has now stepped up efforts to ensure the removal of illegal constructions and the restoration of the cistern, stressing the need to protect Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage from unauthorized commercial exploitation.

As legal proceedings continue, the incident has sparked widespread debate about balancing tourism, business interests, and the preservation of historic landmarks in one of the world's most culturally significant cities.

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