Rising gracefully from the Bosphorus near Üsküdar, the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is truly one of Istanbul’s most beloved landmarks of Istanbul. With a history that stretches back to ancient times and tales that weave through empires, it stands as a striking symbol of the city’s rich and intricate past. Let’s cover more!
What is Maiden’s Tower?
The Maiden’s Tower, or Kız Kulesi, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, rising from a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait, just off the coast of Üsküdar. With a history stretching back over 2,500 years, the tower has served many purposes—from lighthouse to customs station and even a quarantine center.
Surrounded by legends of love and mystery, it offers panoramic views of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Recently restored and reopened to visitors, the tower now hosts a small museum and café, making it a popular stop for sightseeing, photography, and romantic boat trips.
KEY FACTS
- The tower, one of the oldest known structures in the history of Istanbul, is generally dated to the 5th century.
- Although we cannot yet say for sure who built it, when and for what purpose, the tower, which has a place even in the oldest chronicles of Istanbul, has a deeper history than it seems.
- Its location at the entrance to the narrowest part of the Bosporus raises the possibility of a military purpose.
- The closest example is the tower used by Mehmed II, the Conqueror, to monitor the city during the siege of Istanbul.
- Damaged by earthquakes and disasters over the years, the building has changed its form many times and in the last restoration it was restored to its most authentic form.
KEY BACKROUND
The tower, which is thought to have been built in 410 BC, may have been built to collect taxes from the trade ships coming from the Black Sea. In the 12th century, Manuel Komnenos I (Eastern Roman Emperor) controlled the transportation of the strait by drawing a chain between another tower on the historical peninsula.
Upon the capture of Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire, the tower was used as an observation tower and housed the watches of Ottoman soldiers. Ibrahim Pasha, the grand vizier of Sultan Ahmet III, installed a lantern and the tower guided the ships at night. In the 19th century, it was turned into a quarantine hospital to prevent the spread of cholera in the city.
After this period, the tower was used as a lighthouse again. After being used as a gas station, radar station and similar purposes until today, it underwent a detailed restoration in the early 2000s and was also used as a restaurant and café.
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Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide
