Towers
Kız Kulesi :
Considered to be a symbol of Istanbul, this tiny tower was established on a small
island at the entrance of the Bosphorus. In the past, it was used as a watchtower
and a lighthouse, until its present purpose of a tourist attraction. Western sources
describe this as Leander's Tower, who was drowned while swimming, to reach his lover
Hera. Another story suggests that it was a tower where an emperor's daughter put
her in there for security, having dreamt that she would be bitten by a snake.
Galata Tower :
The tower was built by the Genoese in 1348, during their occupation of the area,
primarily to prevent attacks. Originally known as the Tower of Christ, it stood
above the fortification surrounding the Genoese city-state. There is a spiral rock
staircase which ascends to the top viewing platform, which today offers visitors
spectacular 360 degree panorama of the entire city. The tower was restored in 1967,
and an elevator was installed to offer a less tiring alternative to the steep climb.
There is also a restaurant on the top floor.
Beyazıt Tower :
Within the grounds of the central building of Istanbul's University, (formerly the
palace of Mehmet the Conqueror) this wooden tower was built for fire watchers, and
remains a landmark throughout the city. Mahmud II demolished it in order to construct
a better one, and according to the inscription, he ordered a rock-filled tower in
1828 to be built by the Ministry of Defense. The monument is 50m high, and from
the upper landing, accessible via wooden staircase, offers a superb overview of
the city.
ISTANBUL GUIDE