Overview:

: Maiden’s Tower is a mysterious tower located in the waters off the coast of the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is believed to have been built in the 4th century BC, although it is also possible that it was built by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus in the 12th century. The mysterious structure is also known by a variety of other names including the Tower of Leander, the Tower of the Virgin, and Kız Kulesi, which translates to “Maiden’s Tower” in Turkish. Today, the tower remains shrouded in mystery, but it is known that it was used as a lighthouse, a defense fortification, and a quarantine station during its time. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

, Maiden's Tower is a historic tower located in the middle of the Bosphorus Strait. It has served as a light house, an observation tower, a sanatorium, a fortress, a quarantine station, and a protective structure for nearby settlements. The tower was used as a quarantine station in the 19th century and was utilized as a shelter during the war times. The tower stands on a small islet just off the coast of the Uskudar district in Istanbul and is visible from both the Asian and European sides of the city. It was built in the early medieval periods, but its exact date of construction is unknown. It is around 34 meters or 112 feet high and is surrounded by a small pool of water. The tower appears in many popular stories, legends, and poems in Turkish culture which add to the mystery and romance of Maiden's Tower. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Maiden’s Tower is an historic Ottoman tower located on a small islet off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey. It is an iconic symbol of Turkey, associated with legends about love and tragedy. According to the most popular legend, Maiden’s Tower was built in the 5th century BC by the Athenian general Alcibiades to keep his mistress, the princess Leandros, away from the dangers of the sea. Other legends tell of her tragic fate. The oldest written record of Maiden’s Tower dates back to the 10th century under the name Leander’s Tower, and it is believed to have been built in the 4th century BC by Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II. The tower served as a customs station, a lighthouse, and a watchtower. In the 16th century, the Ottomans renovated the tower and renamed it Kiz Kulesi, or Maiden’s Tower, and it served as part of the Ottoman border defense system. In the 19th century, it became a quarantine station used to prevent cholera from entering the city. The tower was heavily damaged during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. After the war, the tower was reconstructed and became a tourist attraction. In the 20th century, Maiden’s Tower was opened to visitors, and it was restored once more in the 2000s. It is now a popular cafe and tourist attraction in Istanbul. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Maiden's Tower has a long and rich history; built by the ancient Greeks, the tower is believed to be over 2,500 years old. 2. The tower is also known as Leander's Tower, as it is said that the ancient Greek hero Leander swam across the Bosporus to visit his beloved, Hero, who lived in the tower. 3. The Maiden’s Tower was used as a lighthouse to protect ships entering the harbor. 4. The Maiden’s Tower was also featured in the popular James Bond movie, “Skyfall”. 5. The tower is now a popular tourist attraction and a popular spot to take selfies with stunning views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. 6. The tower has been used as a quarantine facility throughout its history, especially during times of plague. 7. The tower is said to contain a mysterious prophecy about the city of Istanbul and the country of Turkey. 8. Legend has it that the Maiden’s Tower is cursed and that if someone falls asleep in the tower, they will never wake up. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era