Kiz Kulesi (or Maiden`s Tower or Leander`s Tower), the age-old symbol of love and romance, happens to be the landmark of Turkey. The Maiden`s Tower features in just about every work of art on Turkey. Framed in pictures and paintings, it has many compositions dedicated to its glory. Its appearance as the secret hideout of the villainous Elektra in the James Bond movie `The World Is Not Enough`, gives a clue to the immense charm it holds for millions across the globe.
Legend of Maiden's Tower
The stone structure appearing in each and every pictorial treatise of Istanbul (rather Turkey), has two very captivating tales associated with it. The name `Maiden`s Tower` has its roots in the more popular story relating a maiden`s misfortune. According to this tale, a beautiful Byzantine princess was once quartered in this tower. It is said that soothsayers had predicted her early death by snakebite. Her father, Emperor Constantine who loved her dearly, built an extended castle (near the spot where the present tower exists) and placed her there to avert the fatal end. Eventually the girl died of snakebite, which entered the castle in a grape basket.
The other story doing the rounds links it to the Leander-Hero romance and gives it the name Leander Tower. This tale tells that a castle was built on the present site by a Byzantine Emperor for his daughter Hero. When the Emperor learnt that his daughter had a love affair with a commoner named Leander, he imprisoned Hero in the castle. This could not dispirit Leander who, being of athletic-make, would cross Hellespont to see Hero. One stormy night he had no light to guide him and drowned. Hero, hearing of the mishap, flung herself into the sea.
History of Maiden's Tower
The history of this grand structure dates back to antiquity. Built around 419 B.C. as per instructions of the Greek Commander Alcibiades, the initial structure was a watchtower. With a near-complete view of the Black Sea, sentinels stationed at the tower would keep a watch on trespassers and enemy fleets.
In the 12th century, the Byzantine Emperor Komnenos converted this tower into a fortress and practically blocked the entryway through the strait of Bosphorus. The legends apart, there seems ample evidence of the fact that during the Byzantine rule the tower was used as a prison. Used as a station to collect customs duties from the ships anchoring in and entering the land, the Tower was transformed to a lighthouse in this period.
By the time the Turks arrived and finally captured Istanbul, the Tower was a dilapidated structure. They undertook the heavy task of restoration and erected a fully renovated wooden tower. The wooden tower caught fire while on duty lighting the way for passing-by ships was gutted. The present stone tower was built during the reign of Ahmet III in 1719.
Thus, sharing its history with the very history of Istanbul, the Maiden`s Tower has stood witness to many events and has very much been a part of every time frame.
Maiden's Tower Today
After remaining a private property as part of different empires - Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman - Kiz Kulesi first opened its gates for the commoners about 2500 years after it was built. The present day tower has been restored by the Denizcilik Bank (Turkish Marinary Bank) and even today it continues to render its services to the nation as a lighthouse, a semaphore station, a customs control area and other significant jobs.
Befitting the times, Leander`s Tower now houses a restaurant, a cafeteria and a gift center and has become a popular tourist destination. Both the cafeteria and the restaurant remain open from 12.00 hrs - 19.00 hrs, six days a week (excluding Mondays) the year-round. The restaurant satisfies the gourmet within you with its selective list of Turkish delicacies. Side by side, it also pampers the music-lover, connoisseur in you by dishing out quality music. While `Group Leandros` formed on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings present music of the bygone eras, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings are meant for some revitalizing, contemporary fun songs.
The other see-you-must at the Maiden`s Tower is the small Bosphorus Museum. The observation tower atop the tower giving you a 360° view of Istanbul will make your visit to the Tower one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Location of Maiden's Tower
The Maiden`s Tower stands on a small islet in the Bosphorus in Istanbul, between the two continents of Asia and Europe. The islet`s near location to the Uskudar district of Istanbul city (the Asian part of the city) makes it easily accessible.
Maiden`s Tower is a short walk from the Uskudar port. For those of you who avoid walking, frequent ferry-services are available from Eminonu or the Karakoy ports.
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