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The municipality to launch new project for Sultanahmet Square

A new renewal project for Sultanahmet Square, one of the key features of İstanbul's historic peninsula, has been launched by the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality to create a park and green area above the Basilica Cistern, where the former building of the İstanbul Provincial Special Administration was once located.

The building was demolished as it was damaging the cistern. The road over the Basilica Cistern, one of the most outstanding historical attractions in İstanbul, was also closed to vehicle traffic, including to the hundreds of tourist busses passing over it, early in 2011.

According to a written statement released by the İstanbul Provincial Special Administration on November 23, a project for the park in the area has been launched. The park will house many cafes and flower gardens.

The project aims to give a new image to the area where the 1,500-year-old Basilica Cistern, the Milion stone pillar from the Byzantine Empire and the Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet mosques are located. The park will provide more areas for tourists to rest when visiting the landmarks.

Adapted from Worldbulletin