Maiden’s Tower of Istanbul: A Monument Steeped in Legends
Istanbul is a city that never ceases to amaze, with its every corner whispering tales of intrigue, romance, and history that span the millennia. Today, we embark on a journey across the Sea of Marmara, where the salty sea breeze mingles with whispers of legend. Our destination: the Maiden’s Tower, or Kız Kulesi, a beacon of Istanbul’s rich past.
Join nabtrip travel magazine as we delve into the captivating history and allure of this iconic landmark.
History of the Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul can confidently be considered one of Turkey’s most famous attractions. It is a place where imagination and reality are intertwined. Numerous stories are told about this tower. Aside from various myths, its stunning architecture and the beautiful palace within the tower have added a newfound charm to it.
The history of the Maiden’s Tower has its ups and downs. The first bricks of this structure were laid and its construction began a thousand years ago. It is one of the many Byzantine empire buildings that have survived and shines like a gem on the small island of Istanbul.
History tells us that this tower was built in 410 AD after the victory of the famous Athenian naval commander, Alcibiades. It was originally known as the Tower of Leandros and is also considered the first lighthouse of Turkey.
The purpose of the tower was simple. Every passing ship was first inspected and thoroughly searched, and alongside that, customs duties were collected. After that, permission for entry was granted. However, the history of the tower does not end here.
The Maiden’s Tower continued to function until 1110 AD, but many parts of it were considerably destroyed. The Byzantine emperor of that time, Alexios Komnenos, reconstructed it and chose the name “Tower of the Small Maiden” for it.
Unfortunately, with the rise of the Ottoman Empire and the conquest of the city, this tower was also destroyed and completely vanished. Another structure was built in its place, entirely made of wood, which also fell victim to a disastrous fire in 1721 AD.
In 1832, the Maiden’s Tower was reconstructed once again by the order of Sultan Mahmud II, an Ottoman Sultan, and began its function as a customs building. This time, the tower was built with stone and concrete to ensure its durability.
A lighthouse was also installed on it to guide ships at sea. In the following years, the tower transformed into a hospital and a radio station during the outbreak of the Ottoman Wars. Cannon guns were placed on its structure as a defensive barrier on the Bosphorus Strait.
In 1950, everything changed, and the Maiden’s Tower was transformed into a recreational site. In the year 2000, a restaurant and a café were opened there, turning it into a destination for Iranian and foreign tourists. The restaurant always carries the scent of authentic Turkish cuisine and international dishes from around the world.
Now, this thousand-year-old tower has become one of the most attractive sights in Istanbul, and people from all over the world travel to Istanbul to see it.
The café and restaurant are open every day except Mondays, hosting eager visitors. By the way, each day from noon until 7 p.m., and every night, music, songs, and dances are held there.
Where is the Maiden’s Tower?
The Maiden’s Tower is located on a small island in the Bosphorus Strait, in the neighborhood of Uskudar in the Asian side of Istanbul. To reach the tower, you can go to Kabatas or Salacak Pier.
There are boats available from 9 am to 9 pm to go to the island. These boats take around 30 minutes to one hour to reach the destination, depending on the traffic, and they will drop you off at the tower.
You can find the location of the Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul on Google Maps.
The Reason Behind Naming the Maiden’s Tower
Centuries ago, during the time when Turkey was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, known as Constantinople or Konstantin, the Byzantine kings reigned over this land. The legend of the Maiden’s Tower originates from this era, where one of the Byzantine kings had a beautiful and beloved daughter.
One day, a prophecy was revealed to the king, predicting that his beloved daughter would perish at the age of 18 from a snakebite. This led the king to build a tower on the Bosphorus Strait, on an island, where his daughter could stay and be safe from the hazards of the land and snakes.
The 18th birthday of the daughter arrives, and she is still alive. The king celebrates with great joy and presents her with a large basket of fruits. As the daughter opens the basket, a large snake hidden inside bites her, causing her to lose her life then and there.
According to this legend, the tower came to be known as the Maiden’s Tower. Of course, there are other myths and stories associated with this tower, but one of the most well-known ones is the tale of the princess and the snake. It is this story that primarily attributes the naming of the Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul.
Architecture of the Maiden’s Tower
The architecture of the Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul is a traditional blend of Islamic, Roman, and certain elements of Christian architecture. The renowned architect of the Ottoman period, Mimar Sinan, reconstructed it during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II, using stone and concrete to prevent further damage.
This structure stands at a height of 23 meters and consists of several floors. Its most significant feature is the main hall or “iwan.” The iwan provides a panoramic view of Istanbul in 360 degrees. Beyond the iwan, there are rooms adorned with captivating paintings. Some of these paintings depict the legends associated with the tower.
At the lower section of the structure, there is a large restaurant. The restaurant serves delicious local Turkish cuisine, as well as international and especially Mediterranean dishes for visitors to savor.
The various rooms within this structure have now been transformed into a grand museum. All those who visit the Maiden’s Tower restaurant can also take a tour of the museum.
Different Sections of the Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul comprises various sections, each accessible to visitors at specific times. These sections include the following, which we will discuss further:
– Museum:
The Maiden’s Tower Museum is one of the fascinating attractions within this structure. This section is filled with paintings, artworks, and exhibits that are directly related to the tower. The museum also houses several ancient artifacts that are sure to captivate the interest of art enthusiasts and history lovers.
– Iwan:
According to Ali Baba, the most captivating section of the tower is its iwan. It is the place where the entire city lies beneath your feet. From up there, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul. Imagine a delightful summer evening when Istanbul and all its lights come into view.
– Restaurant:
The most prominent section of this structure is its restaurant. The restaurant operates during specific hours of the day and serves both traditional Turkish dishes and international cuisine. The restaurant’s specialties include Mediterranean and seafood dishes.
Access Route to the Maiden’s Tower
If you want to explore the attractions of Turkey fully and have time to visit the Maiden’s Tower, you can travel from Ataturk Airport directly to the tower.
Ataturk Airport is the closest airport to the tower, located only 28 kilometers away. If there is no traffic or traffic flows smoothly, it takes only 30 minutes to reach the pier.
If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest train station to the Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul is Haydarpasa Station. This station is only 4.4 kilometers away, and without traffic, it takes 8 minutes to reach.
The bus is also an affordable travel option that you can choose. Istanbul Bus Station is only 18 kilometers away from the Maiden’s Tower, and if the route is traffic-free, you can reach there in 25 minutes.
Best Time to Visit the Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul is beautiful in every season, but spring and summer are particularly extraordinary. During these seasons, you can travel to this city and thoroughly enjoy the pleasant weather and breathtaking views.
In the fall and winter, the location becomes quite cold, and visiting may be a bit challenging, especially considering the possibility of extreme cold, ice, and other unfavorable conditions.
Facilities at the Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower is situated on a small island, leaving limited space for additional facilities. However, there are amenities such as a restaurant, restroom facilities, and a small prayer room located within the corner of the restaurant, making up the comfort facilities of the tower. Other amenities can be found at a few kilometers’ distance from the tower.
