Maintenance and Repair of Ottoman Period Road Pavement in Yedikule Fortress Completed

During the restoration of the Ottoman Period road pavement in Yedikule Fortress, arrangements were made to prevent water accumulation and ensure drainage. Collapsed and uneven stones were renewed in order to ensure walking comfort.

During the restoration works of Yedikule Fortress, a Byzantine pavement from the 5th century and an Ottoman pavement from the 15th century were unearthed in the inner courtyard.

This Byzantine pavement, dated to the 5th century and recorded as the oldest pavement in Istanbul, is located on Via Egnatia, which extends from the Balkans to Istanbul and reaches from the Golden Gate to Hagia Sophia Square. Following the Byzantine road, the original pavement, which shows itself as a layer belonging to the Ottoman Period, passes in front of the Fatih Masjid and extends towards the entrance tower.

The water stream, which is frequently seen in the streets of the Ottoman period and is arranged slightly inclined towards the centre axis of the road, also stands out. This water stream consisting of two rows of stones is called "seylabe".

Necessary arrangements were made to prevent the accumulation of water and to ensure its drainage by eliminating the problems that interrupt the continuity of 'Seylabe'. The collapse and uneven stones on the road were rearranged by taking into account the comfort of walking. In addition, the road pavement of the Ottoman Period was subjected to maintenance and repair works.