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,…
