“Yeraltının Kapıları”, showcasing the evocative works of Czech sculptors Vlastimil Beránek and Jaroslav Prošek, transforms the enchanting Basilica Cistern into a captivating fusion of art and history.
Remember Plato’s famous allegory of the cave? The one where those trapped in darkness mistake shadows for reality? Well, here’s a thought: are we any different today? In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, are we, too, mistaking the flickering lights of social media and technology for reality? How much of the truth do we really see—or choose to see?
In his allegory, Plato urges us to seek truth and wisdom, reminding us it takes bravery to break free from the shadows and step outside the cave. The light of knowledge can be blinding at first, uncomfortable even. But that very discomfort signals enlightenment. And when the freed soul returns to share this truth, it’s often met with disbelief—perhaps much like us, clinging to the shadows in our own lives, afraid to see what lies beyond.
With these reflections, and a sense of nostalgia for not visiting in months, we make our way to one of Istanbul’s hidden gems, the Basilica Cistern. This 1,500-year-old marvel feels as dark and enigmatic as Plato’s cave itself. You might think I’m crazy for saying this, but there’s something deeply satisfying about breathing in the cool dampness while wandering among the ancient columns, almost as if I’m inhaling history. Built to supply water to the Byzantine Empire, the cistern stands as a bridge between past and present. And for a moment, it feels like just one more step could transport us back in time…
In the mystical depths of the Basilica Cistern, where light dances on the water’s surface, a new exhibition invites us to step into another world: Yeraltının Kapıları – Geçiş ve Yansıma ile Mekâna Dokunma; Vlastimil Beránek (Doors to the Underground – Touching Space through Transition and Reflection; Vlastimil Beránek). Curated by Dr. Mahir Polat and Miroslav Kroupa, this exhibit deepens the ancient atmosphere of the cistern with the transformative power of art.
Czech sculptors Vlastimil Beránek and Jaroslav Prošek present crystal sculptures that interact with the water and stone of the cistern to create a surreal new reality. The transparent glass, both delicate and solid, melds with the flowing water and enduring stone, offering visitors an entirely fresh perspective. The fragile glass reflects light in ways that blur our perceptions, leaving us questioning what’s real and what’s illusion.
Beránek’s creations push the boundaries of glass as a medium. Through its transparency and reflective qualities, he seeks to express the emotional depths of the human soul—the fluctuations and complexity of our inner worlds. What appears as frozen movement in the glass becomes a metaphor for the inner journey of the human spirit, suspended in time yet constantly evolving.
Vlastimil Beránek, born in 1960 in the heart of the Czech Republic’s glass-making region, was immersed in the world of glass from a young age. As the son of a glass master, this magical material has been a lifelong companion. After honing his craft at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, Beránek pushed beyond the boundaries of traditional glass art, creating a distinctive style that blends sculpture with glass.
His works capture the beauty of nature—waves, wind, and organic forms—frozen within the delicate transparency of his medium. In his Song of Crystal series, Beránek transformed the rhythm of music into a visual spectacle, while his Traces of Time collection fused historical textures and memories with the clarity of glass. Through his mastery, he balances glass’s fragility with its strength, mirroring the delicate yet resilient nature of the human spirit. The result? A powerful, emotional experience.
In contrast, Jaroslav Prošek’s work delves into the relationship between history and material. Imagine glass, crafted in Mesopotamia 6,000 years ago, meeting semi-fossilized oak wood from the same era—an extraordinary blend of past and present, right beneath the surface of water. Born in 1975 and trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, Prošek is a young, innovative sculptor who brings fresh perspective to glass art. His Roots series fuses ancient oak with modern glass, symbolizing the meeting of eras. Using glass as a vessel for time and memory, Prošek breathes new life into ancient stories, allowing us to experience the past in the present.
As you wander through the Doors of the Underground exhibition, it’s hard not to notice the seamless harmony between the crystal sculptures and the mystical atmosphere of the cistern. The way the sculptures seem to float on the water, creating ever-shifting reflections with the play of light, reminds us just how layered and elusive reality can be. Much like the shadows in Plato’s cave, what we see may be nothing more than a reflection. To truly grasp reality, we must be willing to look from different perspectives.
Eventually, we arrive at the Medusa heads—separate from the exhibition, but undeniably connected to the soul of the Basilica. Do these sideways and upside-down Medusa sculptures not evoke the complexity of the human condition? Medusa, once a symbol of beauty and power, was punished and transformed into a monster. Could this be a reflection of society’s harsh judgments and punishments? And doesn’t it also remind us of the interplay between power and fear? What beauty and potential in our own lives do we punish out of fear?
Hosted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in collaboration with IBB Heritage and IBB Culture, Doors of the Underground invites visitors to explore this mesmerizing fusion of art and philosophy at the Basilica Cistern until November 30. It’s a must-see for those looking to embark on a short but profound journey through 1,500 years of history where art and thought collide.
