Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
The Galata Tower, one of the world’s oldest towers, was built in 507–508 CE to serve as a fire lookout. It has since excelled in becoming one of the symbols of Istanbul’s enduring energy.
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The tower has taken more than 1,500 years to reach its current state, proving the maxim that good things take time. The Genoese constructed the present building in 1348, though it has undergone numerous repairs and even reconstructions. Sultan Mahmud II gave the Galata Tower its current appearance by completing the final two floors and giving it its renowned cone-shaped roof.
The tower has a long history of renewal and restoration, reflected in the wide range of styles on its floors. For instance, the first three floors show features of Genoese architecture, while the final floors show a distinctly Ottoman style.
Several stories have also enhanced the popularity of the Galata Tower.
Hezârfen Ahmet Celebi, for instance, is mentioned in Evliya Celebi’s famous travelogue even though modern historians disagree with him. According to Evliya Celebi, Hezârfen Ahmet Celebi used a pair of wooden wings to fly from the Galata Tower to the area of Üsküdar on Istanbul’s Asian shore.
Another popular myth says that you will wed the person you climb the ancient tower with. Due to this, many couples now stand in line to visit the tower’s famous observation terrace.
Tower of the Maiden (Kiz Kulesi)
You’ll find The Maiden’s Tower on a small islet close to the Bosphorus Strait. Although the tower’s construction date is unknown, the architectural design suggests that it was built in the 300s BCE. The islet, which once served as a customs post for ships, is believed to have been connected to the Asian shore by a defence wall, the remains of which may still be seen underwater.
The Maiden’s Tower is said to have fallen into ruin due to numerous natural calamities, similar to the Galata Tower. During restoration, the glass kiosk and lead-covered dome were added. The tower now has a restaurant on the ground level and a café on the roof. Additionally, there is a museum with free admission.
A few legends have helped the tower generate publicity, but one stands out above the rest to the point where the tower was given the name “Tower of Leandros” in honour of it. Leandros (or Leander), a young man from the other part of the strait, fell in love with Hero, an Aphrodite priestess. He would swim across the Hellespont (Dardanelles) to see her every evening. At the peak of her tower, Hero would light a lamp to serve as a signal for him. Leandros was hurled into the water by the waves one windy winter night, and the wind extinguished Hero’s light. Legend has it that Leandros tragically lost his path and drowned.
Beyazıt Tower (Beyazıt Kulesi)
On the main campus of Istanbul University, there is a fire watchtower called Beyazit Tower, which is 85 metres high. The tower used a particular lighting system created at a precise time in history to inform Istanbul residents of the weather forecast.
The tower gives a beautiful view of Istanbul and is one of the city’s landmarks today. It is situated on one of the seven hills that make up the city. The city’s original name, Constantinople, which preceded its current name Istanbul, is visible when you climb the tower.
Although there are plans to convert the tower into a public museum, it is now solely accessible to students of Istanbul University.
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