Maiden's Tower in Istanbul, sitting among the bustling waters of the Bosphorus Strait and symbolic of love and romance, is a famous landmark in Türkiye. This place often promotes tourism in the popular city by featuring in Turkish pictures or work of art, such is the popularity and incredible views. A mystical position and appearance, especially with lights at night, deliver an intriguing view and memorable experiences.
Although urban stories often confuse it with the Leander story, this ancient city landmark of Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait deserves the fame and glory. Should you find yourself in Asian Istanbul city centre, visit there. If you like James Bond films, you may also recognise Maiden’s Tower from the famous 1999 film "The World is Not Enough." But there is much more to know.
Guide to Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul
The Deep History and Architecture Over the Centuries
Called Kız Kulesi in Turkish, the illustrious history shaped by different civilisations over centuries reflects Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences. The origins and early Byzantine structure date from the 4th Century BCE to the 12th Century, which was ancient Greek, when it served as a customs station. The 12th-century Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos reinforced the architecture using stone walls to create a military outpost.
During the Ottoman period from the 15th century, it was a lighthouse and military defence post until the 17th century. Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Pasha during Sultan Ahmed III’s reign, heavily rebuilt in 1725 by incorporating classical Ottoman architectural elements, like a domed roof and arched windows. In 1832, Sultan Mahmud II made further refinements. Historians also say evidence shows the building was a prison, radio station, Byzantine garrison, customs station, and quarantine station over the centuries.
Modern restorations and their current appearance started in the 1940s with significant restorations, with the current stone and brick stunning architecture. The most recent restoration (2023) included reinforcing the structure to withstand earthquakes. Today, the building features a white and black stone facade, a conical top, and an observation deck, blending historical significance with cultural heritage. Modern renovations include a café and museum. The structure is an iconic blend of Byzantine resilience and Ottoman elegance, offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.
Urban Legends and The Story Behind It
Called Kiz Kulesi in Turkish, Maidens Tower sits in the Salacak area of the Asian Üsküdar district. Guarding the Bosphorus southern entrance, urban tales say a mystic told a Byzantine emperor his daughter would die on her 18th birthday from a snake bite. The emperor was so distraught at the idea of losing his daughter, whom he cherished, that he built the landmark on a rock surrounded by water so no snake would be able to reach her. However, a basket of fruit, delivered one day by boat, included a venomous snake that brought about her demise. She died in her father’s arms.
The Tale of Leander and Hero (A Different Tragic Love Story)
Another ancient story, though initially set in the Hellespont (modern Dardanelles), has also been associated with the building. This is the story of Leander and Hero. Hero was a priestess of Aphrodite, living across the water. Leander, a young man, fell deeply in love with her and swam across the strait every night, guided by a lamp Hero lit for him.
One stormy night, the wind blew out the lamp, and Leander lost his way, instead drowning. Upon seeing his lifeless body, Hero threw herself into the sea, dying alongside her love. Even though this story is about a different location, it is often connected to the historic tower, adding to romance and tragedy.
Tourist Attraction and Romantic Restaurant
Maiden's Tower opened to visitors in 1998, around 2500 years after its construction. It still operates as an unofficial lighthouse, and is a popular tourist attraction during warm summer, reached via boat ride, with a restaurant serving delicious cuisine and a gift shop. Although closed on Mondays, people can visit every other day and for evening events.
While visiting the ancient site, see the small Bosphorus Museum and observation deck for breathtaking views, including the Hagia Sophia on the European side. The historic site is easily accessible from Istanbul's Üsküdar district via public or private boat and stands on a small Bosphorus inlet. A short walk from Üsküdar port, frequent ferry services also run from Eminonu and Karakoy ports to give visitors this fantastic experience.
More About the Bosphorus and Spectacular Views
The must-see attraction for visitors sits in the middle of the Bosphorus, and in the old days, it was a defence tower since the Bosphorus was a prime waterway. Anyone who controlled the Bosphorus could control Constantinople. Such was the importance of an iron chain, which, during Byzantine times, was at the entrance of the Golden Horn, a natural harbour of European Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the chain prevented enemy ships from entering the harbour and attacking the city.
The chain stretched between the northern Galata Tower (the area known today as Galata) and the southern city walls of Constantinople, near the old Byzantine port. This defensive measure was useful during sieges, most notably the 1453 siege by the Ottoman Empire.
The chain was an essential part of fortifications and contributed to the Byzantine Empire's naval defence system. Indeed, the Bosphorus is more than just blue waters; it is an essential part of cultural history.
Guide to Üsküdar
To get to the ancient tower and learn about its rich history, head to the Asian shore of Üsküdar. This is a pretty impressive district, and alongside the iconic attraction, there are other things to do and nearby attractions. Sitting between trendy Kadikoy and green Beykoz, underrated Üsküdar deserves more admiration. Expect stunning views across the European shore and old-world architecture in the old town square. (More about the district.)
More About Asian Istanbul
Most international travel brochures talk about tourist attractions in European Istanbul. Yet for curious, independent travellers, the Asian side holds just as many delights. From panoramic views to delicious Turkish cuisine and cultural experiences, here is what to know about the Asian side after seeing Maiden's Tower in Istanbul.
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