Aqueduct of Valens, Roman aqueduct in Fatih, Turkey
The Aqueduct of Valens is a stone and brick structure that spans across Atatürk Boulevard in Istanbul, composed of a series of connected arches. The structure displays Roman engineering techniques with multiple tiers of arcades that dominate the urban landscape.
The aqueduct was built in the late 4th century as a water supply system and served the city for centuries afterward. After its construction under Roman rule, it continued functioning through the Byzantine period and remained operational under Ottoman administration.
The aqueduct represents Roman engineering methods and served both Byzantine and Ottoman empires through an extensive network of underground cisterns.
The structure sits near major transit hubs and is easy to reach using public transportation. The bazaar and the historic districts of the old city are all within walking distance.
The aqueduct originally carried water over a long distance and was later repurposed as a bridge for city traffic. Today it connects two parts of the city and shows how ancient structures can adapt to new purposes.
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