The Maiden Tower is one of Istanbul’s most popular and well-known landmarks. Istanbul is the world’s third-most visited city, with a rich history. Istanbul is also Turkey’s economic and cultural center.
Many people know the Maiden’s Tower as a symbol of the city of Istanbul, and it is called Kız Kulesi in Istanbul, Turkish. The Istanbul Tower may be found on a tiny island in the center of the Bosphorus Strait. The sole Byzantine-era structure still standing in the Üsküdar area is Maiden’s Tower or Maiden’s Castle, which has come to represent the area.
Being in a suitable location and the unique beauty of this tower have caused it to attract many tourists every year. The colossal history of Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul is one of the most important reasons for its popularity. The beautiful view of Maiden’s Tower in the waters of Istanbul is very spectacular, especially at sunset, and like a sea lily in the waters of the Bosphorus, it amazes the eyes of every viewer.
History of Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul
Maiden Tower, or Maiden Castle, is the first lighthouse of Istanbul. In addition to its many uses, it is famous for various legends. The Maiden’s Tower dates back to the Byzantine era of Turkey, about 1000 years ago. The names Lindros and Damalis (meaning calf) are also used to refer to the Maiden’s Tower, and later, the Eastern Roman emperor chose the name Adekla for this tower, which means small castle.
The main building of this tower was destroyed when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Then, they created a wooden structure in its place, which was completely burned and killed in 1719. One of the famous architects of Istanbul rebuilt this building with a stone structure. The tower was converted into a hospital and radio station during the 1830s cholera pandemic before being given to the Ministry of Defense in 1964 and, 18 years later, to the maritime industries.
Finally, after 5 years, the doors of Maiden’s Tower were opened to the public in 2000. Currently, there is a museum in Maiden’s Tower, and it hosts a small restaurant in its room, which serves various Turkish and international dishes. Visiting the museum inside the tower is free, and you can enjoy it.
A look at the legends of Istanbul Maiden’s Tower
Along with its historical significance, this well-known tower is also associated with several puzzling and intriguing stories. Rumor has it that a youthful man named Leandros became fascinated with a nun named Hero, who resided in the tower.
Hero would tend to the fire he had built each night to attract his beloved to the island. On the other hand, Leandros became disoriented and ended up drowning in the Bosphorus when the fire was put out by a thunderstorm one night. The Hero was so overcome with sorrow that he took his own life out of sheer exhaustion.
According to a different version of the tale, a soothsayer predicted to the monarch that a snake bite would kill his daughter. The monarch ensured he had somewhere secure to dwell by constructing a castle in the middle of the water. The princess, however, was killed when she was bitten by the snakes that were on the island. The snakes had found their way there by concealing themselves in a fruit basket.
Last but not least, the tale of Batalgazi is based on the life of a legendary figure. It is said that he fell in love with a Takfur (Christian ruler) girl. Because Takfur had no interest in this guy, he hid his daughter in the tower to protect her from him. After which, Batalgazi attacked the island, kidnapped her, and disappeared with her in the sunset.
The architecture of Istanbul Maiden’s Tower
The son-in-law of Ebrahim Pasha Nowshahri, one of Istanbul’s famous architects, rebuilt the stone model of this building, which later added a crystal cubicle and a lead dome. In 1857, a lantern was mounted on top of it, and in 1920, it was turned into an automated lighting system.
The renowned calligraph Rahim Effendi inscribed Sultan Mahmud II’s signature on the marble. Above the tower room is a stone dome with a high bar in the center. Including the bar, the tower’s total height reaches 23 meters, and its body is concrete.
What is the reason for the fame of Istanbul Maiden’s Tower?
In addition to this tower’s rich history, its beauty and unique view attracted the attention of many people. Interestingly, this tower has been in many movies and TV shows and has become one of the best places for filming and recording interesting programs. Some of the most famous programs filmed in this area are:
- A James Bond movie with the name of the world is not enough
- Hitman movie
- A spot from the American game reality show The Amazing Race 7
- Turkish drama program Kurtlar Vadis
- The Assassin’s Creed Revelations game: Assassin’s Creed Revelations is located where the Masyaf key is located, and the game’s character must reach this tower to find it.
Sightseeing places of Maiden’s Tower
Maiden’s Tower has had various uses throughout history, from the defense castle to the lighthouse and the radio station. These days, the Tower has become one of the sights of Istanbul. Today, visiting the outer environment of this castle alone is considered one of the attractions of this Tower. In addition to sightseeing in the Tower’s surroundings, there is also a spectacular restaurant and museum, whose features will be mentioned below.
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Maiden’s Tower Museum in Istanbul
To visit Maiden’s Tower Museum, walk up a few floors of the Tower to see a view of ancient equipment and antiques. Most of the works of this museum are related to the years when the Tower had different uses.
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Restaurant Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul
Maiden’s Tower has a 360-degree view of Istanbul’s Asian and European areas. Such a feature has provided a suitable place for a restaurant in this Tower. This is where Tower Restaurant stands out to make a delicious memory for tourists with traditional and international dishes.
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Istanbul Maiden’s Tower café
Istanbul has so many famous restaurants that you might not get to eat at the Tower restaurant. If you have visited this tower, it is better to go to Maiden’s Tower Cafe and refresh your throat.
How to reach the Istanbul Maiden’s Tower
To visit this tower, you must get to Kabataş or Salajak pier and then go to Maiden’s Tower quickly and without cost by boat. These boats usually leave every quarter or half an hour.
Suggested cost and time to visit the Maiden’s Tower
It’s no wonder that entry to such a beautiful place costs money. To visit Maiden’s Tower Istanbul, you must buy an entrance ticket. You don’t need a reservation to see the tower, but you must make one in advance to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The recommended time to visit Istanbul Maiden Tower is 1-2 hours.
