Maiden's Tower
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The Maiden's Tower (Turkish: Kız Kulesi), also known as Leander's Tower (Tower of Leandros) since the Byzantine period, is a tower on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait, 200 m (220 yd) from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey. After the naval victory at Cyzicus, in 408 BC the Athenian general Alcibiades probably built a custom station for ships coming from the Black Sea on a small rock called Arcla (small castle) and Damialis (its calf) in front of Chrysopolis (today's Üsküdar).[3] In 1110 Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus built a wooden tower protected by a stone wall.[3] From the tower an iron chain stretched across to another tower erected on the European shore in the Mangana quarter of Constantinople.[3] The islet was then connected to the Asiatic shore through a defence wall whose underwater remains are still visible.[3] During the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the tower held a Byzantine garrison commanded by the Venetian Gabriele Trevisano.[3] Subsequently, the structure was used as a watchtower by the Ottomans during the reign of sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.[3] The tower was destroyed during the earthquake of 1509, rebuilt, and then burned down in 1721.[3] Reconstruction was ordered by the grand vizier Damad Ibrahim Pasha and the new building was used as a lighthouse; the surrounding walls were repaired in 1731 and 1734. Then in 1763 the tower was reconstructed in more durable stone.[3] From 1829 it was used as a quarantine station before being restored again by Sultan Mahmud II in 1832.[3] In 1945 it was the turn of the harbour authority to patch it up.[3] Then in 1998 it was restored again, shortly before appearing in the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. After the 17 August 1999 earthquake and tsunami in the Sea of Marmara steel supports were added to the tower to strengthen it.[4] The interior was converted into a café and restaurant, with views of the former Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman capital at Sarayburnu.[5] Private boats ply back and forth between the tower and the shore throughout the day.[6] In 2021 work on restoring the tower yet again . The work was completed in 2023 and the tower reopened to the public in May of that year.[2]
Ali shaAli sha
40
"Maiden's Tower: A Marvelous Experience by the Bosphorus" My visit to Maiden's Tower was nothing short of enchanting. Perched gracefully at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, this historic tower is a true gem nestled in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. I had heard tales of its beauty, but experiencing it firsthand exceeded all expectations. Approaching the tower by boat, the silhouette of Maiden's Tower against the backdrop of the Bosphorus is a sight to behold. The play of light on its ancient stone walls adds a magical touch, especially during sunset when the hues of the sky dance in harmony with the tower's architecture. Upon entering, I was captivated by the rich history that envelops every corner of the Maiden's Tower. The knowledgeable staff shared fascinating stories and legends, immersing visitors in the tower's past as a lighthouse, customs station, and even a quarantine hospital. The panoramic views from the observation deck are unparalleled. The Istanbul skyline, with its mix of modern and historic structures, creates a mesmerizing tapestry. It's the perfect spot to capture breathtaking photographs or simply lose yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. The Maiden's Tower also boasts a delightful restaurant that offers a culinary journey reflecting the diversity of Turkish cuisine. I indulged in a feast of flavors while enjoying the warm hospitality of the staff. The combination of delectable dishes and the serene atmosphere created a dining experience to remember. What makes Maiden's Tower truly special is its versatility. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a romantic setting, the tower caters to all. It serves as a symbol of Istanbul's rich cultural tapestry and stands as a testament to the city's timeless allure. In conclusion, a visit to Maiden's Tower is a must for anyone exploring Istanbul. It's not just a historic landmark; it's a living testament to the city's past, present, and future. My experience was nothing short of magical, leaving me with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty that Maiden's Tower adds to Istanbul's captivating skyline.
An MAn M
40
The Maiden's Tower, also known as Kız Kulesi, the gem of the Bosphorus, has opened its eyes once more. On May 11, 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism oversaw its completion, and the Maiden's Tower reopened to the public with its new appearance. The Turkish mythology that refers to Maiden's Tower tells of a princess who was imprisoned there. There was a story circulated about the princess, who was the daughter of a Byzantine ruler at the time, that she would be bitten by a snake when she turned eighteen. After learning of this, The Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus promptly constructed a tower to guard his daughter on the island in the middle of the sea and made a home for the princess in 1110. The emperor ordered the tower in the middle of the Bosphorus to be built in order to safeguard his daughter until she was eighteen, hoping to prevent her from dying too young and to keep her safe from snakes. More than merely a tower along the water, the Maiden's Tower represents the rich and varied history and culture of Istanbul. Here you can take in the breathtaking sunsets or discover the myths that encircle them. When you are in Istanbul, make sure not to miss this magnificent sight!
Syeda Taslima YesminSyeda Taslima Yesmin
20
It's a beautiful place, with a great view of both the sides of the city. Also a very romantic place, apprently very popular amongst the Istanbul couples as a proposal spot! So be careful when you book a dinner here, might have a few connotations hehe. Jokes aside, it's a decent experience. You get a great view of the city, almost like a semi private pass to wander around this historical tower, and food in a lovely atmosphere. It can be a bit odd if not couples, the place has a very romantic aura. One thing is that the earliest boat available for dinner there is 8.15pm, which is a bit late, so we had to wander around a little waiting for it. Food is a four course meal, but the wine menu is very expensive. It's like London prices for food, which itself is ok, nothing much to ride home about. But it's a great experience overall. A note for vegetarians, as are many places in Istanbul, this place is not easy if you don't eat meat. They will substitute the mains for penne pasta, but the experience is great overall.
Bhumika GuptaBhumika Gupta
40
Kyzikos'taki deniz zaferinden sonra, MÖ 408'de Atinalı general Alkibiadis, muhtemelen Karadeniz'den gelen gemiler için Üsküdar'ın önündeki küçük bir kaya üzerine özel bir istasyon inşa etti.[2] Üsküdar'ın sembolü hâline gelen kule, Üsküdar’da Bizans devrinden kalan tek eserdir. MÖ 24 yıllarına kadar uzanan bir geçmişe sahiptir. 1110'da Bizans İmparatoru I. Aleksios, taş duvarla korunan ahşap bir kule inşa etti.[2] Kuleden Konstantinopolis'teki Mangana semtinde (tarihî yarımadada bir mahalle) dikilmiş başka bir kuleye uzanan bir demir zincir gerildi.[2] Adacık daha sonra su altı kalıntıları hâlâ görülebilen bir savunma duvarı ile Asya kıyısına bağlandı.[2] 1453'te İstanbul'un Osmanlılar tarafından fethi sırasında, kulede Venedikli Gabriele Trevisano tarafından yönetilen bir Bizans garnizonu bulunuyordu.[2] Daha sonra yapı, Fatih Sultan Mehmed döneminde Osmanlı Türkleri tarafından gözetleme kulesi olarak kullanılmıştır.[2] İlk olarak Yunan döneminde bir mezara ev sahipliği yapan bu ada, Bizans döneminde inşa edilen ek bina ile gümrük istasyonu olarak kullanılmıştır. Osmanlı döneminde ise gösteri platformundan savunma kalesine, sürgün istasyonundan karantina odasına kadar birçok işlev yüklenmiştir. Asli görevi olan ve yüzyıllardan beri varlığı ile insanlara, geceleri ise geçen gemilere göz kırpan feneri ile yol gösterme işlevini hiç kaybetmemiştir. Bazı Avrupalı tarihçiler buraya Leander Kulesi derler. Kule hakkında pek çok rivayet bulunmaktadır. Antik Çağ'da arkla (küçük kale) ve damialis (dana yavrusu) adları ile anılan kule, bir ara da "Tour de Leandros" (Leandros'un Kulesi) ismi ile ünlenmiştir. Şimdi ise Kız Kulesi ismi ile bütünleşmiştir ve bu ismi ile anılmaktadır. Çok eski geçmişi olan Kız Kulesi, bir zamanlar Boğaz'dan geçen gemilerden vergi alınmak maksadı ile kullanılmıştır. Kule ile Avrupa yakası boyunca büyük bir zincir çekilmiş ve gemilerin Anadolu yakası ile Kız Kulesi arasından geçişine (O zamanlar gemi boyutları küçük olduğu için geçebilmekteydi.) izin verilmiştir. Bir süre sonra kule, zinciri taşıyamamış ve Avrupa yakasına doğru yıkılmıştır. Kuleden suyun içine bakıldığında yıkıntıları görülmektedir. Kule 1509 depreminde yıkılmış, yeniden inşa edilmiş ve 1721'de yanmıştır.[2] Sadrazam Damat İbrahim Paşa tarafından imar emri verilmiş ve yeni bina deniz feneri olarak kullanılmış; çevre surlar 1731 ve 1734 yıllarında onarılmıştır. Sonunda 1763'te kule daha dayanıklı taştan yeniden inşa edildi.[2] 1829'dan itibaren karantina istasyonu olarak kullanılmış ve 1832'de Sultan II. Mahmud tarafından yeniden restore edilmiştir.[2] 1945'te, kuleyi yamama sırası liman yönetimine geldi.[2] Daha sonra 1998'de tekrar restore edildi, kısa bir süre önce James Bond filmi Dünya Yetmez'de yer aldı. Kaynak : Wikipedia
Gündüz KalenderGündüz Kalender
10
Fantastic tower on the sea at the entrance of the Bosphorus, along Uskudar coasts in Istanbul. It was destroyed during the earthquake of 1509, and then burned down in 1721. Following that it was used as a lighthouse, and the surrounding walls were repaired in 1731 and 1734, until in 1763 it was reconstructed using stone. From 1829 the tower was used as a quarantine station. In 1832 the tower was restored by Sultan Mahmud II. Restored again by the harbour authority in 1945, the most recent restoration began in 1998 for the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. Steel supports were added around the ancient tower as a precaution after the 17 August 1999 earthquake. The tower also known as the Leandros, is the one of the most popular landmarks and monuments of the city. It serves as a cafe and restaurant during day-time, and as a private restaurant in the evenings.
Abdulkarim ALZarouniAbdulkarim ALZarouni
20
Nearby Attractions Of Maiden's Tower
Uskudar Coast Walkway
Maiden's Tower
Shemsi Ahmet Pasha Mosque
İBB Doğancılar Park
Üsküdar Hanım Sultanlar Müzesi
UÇURTMA MÜZESİ
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Rum Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Uskudar Coast Walkway
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Maiden's Tower
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Shemsi Ahmet Pasha Mosque
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İBB Doğancılar Park
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Nearby Restaurants Of Maiden's Tower
Katibim Cafe Hookah
MADO Salacak
Güneş Kokoreç
Salacak Kokorec
Taretan Resto (Endonezya restorant ve noodle)
Kiz Kulesi Kokorec
Rastgele Restaurant
Burger King
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MADO Salacak
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Güneş Kokoreç
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Salacak Kokorec
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Salacak, 34668 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Website
kizkulesi.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(7.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
The Maiden's Tower, also known as Leander's Tower since the Byzantine period, is a tower on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait, 200 m from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey. The tower appeared on the reverse of the Turkish 10 lira banknote from 1966 to 1981.
attractions: Uskudar Coast Walkway, Maiden's Tower, Shemsi Ahmet Pasha Mosque, İBB Doğancılar Park, Üsküdar Hanım Sultanlar Müzesi, UÇURTMA MÜZESİ, Vâlide-İ Cedid Camii, Ayazma Mosque, Kaptanpaşa Camii, Rum Mehmed Pasha Mosque, restaurants: Katibim Cafe Hookah, MADO Salacak, Güneş Kokoreç, Salacak Kokorec, Taretan Resto (Endonezya restorant ve noodle), Kiz Kulesi Kokorec, Rastgele Restaurant, Burger King
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