The Underground Water Structures in Gaziantep; Livas and Kastels Gaziantep, located along the Alleben Stream, has been continuously settled since the late 5th century. Although the stream flows through a distinctive C-shaped valley, its water levels often drop during the summer months. This scarcity of water meant that the city's growth depended heavily on an intricate network of waterways. The city's ancient water management system consists of subterranean tunnels known as livas, which channel groundwater from far-off sources into the city, alongside water distribution structures called kastels that allocate this water for multiple uses. These livas were carved by human hands into the city's foundation of limestone rock. The system works by bringing water from external springs through sloping underground tunnels, funneling it into central urban areas, and then distributing it via specific waterworks. As Gaziantep expanded, more tunnels were excavated to satisfy the increasing demand for water, creating a complex network of livas that extends for miles, surrounding the city like a spiderweb. The water system of Gaziantep consists of an underground tunnel network called livas, which transports groundwater from a remote source to the city, and kastels, structures where water from the livas is made accessible to the public. The Pancarlı Livas Line is the oldest of these tunnels, bringing water from approximately 14 kilometers northwest of Gaziantep. Although the exact origins and construction timeline of the system remain unclear, it is apparent that it expanded alongside the city over time. The kastels were constructed at varying depths based on the elevation of the livas. These architecturally impressive buildings evolved through the centuries, with the earliest ones fully underground and later ones partially submerged. Their complex layouts include features such as pools, wells, seating areas, small mosques, water closets, and swimming spots. Kastels also played a vital role in the city’s social life, serving as gathering spots for community meetings, commerce, and religious activities, while providing relief from the summer heat. Currently, only six kastels remain intact: the Kastel of Pişirici (Beşinci), Kastel of İhsan Bey (Esenbek), Kastel of Şeyh Fethullah, Kastel of Kozluca, Kastel of Ahmet Çelebi, and Kastel of İmam Gazali. Many of these livas and kastels date back to the 12th and 13th centuries and were included in the UNESCO Tentative List in 2018. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding Livas and Kastels, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will reply as soon as possible.