Where is the valens aqueduct in istanbul? What is the history of the valens aqueduct?
Valens Aqueduct which is located between the two hills – on one of these hills Istanbul University is located, and on the other one Fatih Mosque is – is an example of Byzantine Period monuments. Valens Aqueduct, which is known as Bozdoğan Kemeri today, was called Hadrianus Aqueduct as well.
It is estimated that the aqueduct was built during the time of the Roman Emperor Hadrianus (117-138) or Valens (364-378). Valens Aqueduct was used to provide water to the palaces, to the Bath of Achilles, and Basilica Cistern, and for irrigation in the city of Byzantium in the 6th century. The Aqueduct was restored during the times of Iustinus II (576), Constantine V (741-775) and Basil II in 1019.
After the conquest, it was restored by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, and some additions were made to the duct. The duct was also repaired during the times of Sultan Bayezid II, Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, and Sultan Mustafa II.
It is estimated that the length of the aqueduct during the Byzantine period was longer than 1 kilometer. It is located 63 meters above sea level, and is about 28-29 meters high. The width of the aqueduct varies between 7 and 8 meters, and its foundations are approximately 5-6 meters below the surface. The section of the aqueduct which survived to this day is 921 meters long.
Source: Harun Kırkıl, Read About and Travel Around ISTANBUL, Erkam Publications