---
title: Medusa Head in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
author: Sena Bolek
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20714/medusa-head-in-the-basilica-cistern-istanbul/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2025-09-17
---

# Medusa Head in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

_Authored by [Sena Bolek](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/senabolek/)_

## Image File

[![Medusa Head in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20714.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20714.png)

## Image Caption

An upside-down [Medusa](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medusa/) head used as a [column](https://www.worldhistory.org/column/) base in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, photograph by Sena Bolek, 2025.

The stone structure is surrounded by dim lighting and shallow water.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Sena felsefe doktorasına UNSW Sydney'de devam etmektedir. Araştırma alanları arasında psikoloji felsefesi ile sosyal epistemoloji yer almaktadır. Felsefe, bilim tarihi ve edebiyat üzerine yapılan metin çevirilerine ilgi duymaktadır.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Bolek, S. (2025, August 11). Medusa Head in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20714/medusa-head-in-the-basilica-cistern-istanbul/>
### Chicago
Bolek, Sena. "Medusa Head in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 11, 2025. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20714/medusa-head-in-the-basilica-cistern-istanbul/>.
### MLA
Bolek, Sena. "Medusa Head in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul." *World History Encyclopedia*, 11 Aug 2025, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20714/medusa-head-in-the-basilica-cistern-istanbul/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Sena Bolek](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/senabolek/ "User Page: Sena Bolek"), published on 11 August 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.