Maiden's Tower, Maritime lighthouse in Üsküdar, Turkey
The Maiden's Tower stands on a small islet 200 meters from the Asian shore of Istanbul, marking the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait.
The tower's construction began in 1110 under Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus, who established a wooden structure protected by stone fortifications.
The structure gained its name from legends about an emperor's daughter who was confined in the tower to prevent a prophesied death by snake bite.
Visitors reach the tower by regular boat services from Üsküdar-Salacak or Galataport piers, with trips operating between 9:30 AM and 8:00 PM daily.
The tower served multiple functions throughout centuries, including a customs checkpoint, defensive fortification, lighthouse, and quarantine station during disease outbreaks.
Location: Üsküdar
Location: Istanbul
Inception: 1110
Architectural style: Ottoman architecture
Website: https://kizkulesi.gov.tr
GPS coordinates: 41.02111,29.00417
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:13
Historic lighthouses around the world tell the story of the way ships have been guided for hundreds of years. From the rocky coast of Norway to the cliffs of the Pacific, these towers have helped sailors since ancient times. The Tower of Hercules in Spain has been shining over the sea since the second century. The lighthouse at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina watches over the dangerous sands of the Atlantic with its easy-to-spot black and white stripes. Each lighthouse shows the time and place it was built. Some sit on high cliffs exposed to the wind, like Heceta Head in Oregon, whose light reaches out over the ocean. Others mark important points, like Fanad Head in Ireland, which shows where a fjord begins, or Jeffreys Hook in New York, under the George Washington Bridge. These structures show how builders used their skills to work with the land, the weather, and the materials they had nearby. Today, these towers still light the sea routes and attract visitors curious about their design and history. Whether it’s the limestone at Cape Otway in Australia or the bricks at Cape Bojeador in the Philippines, each lighthouse remains a landmark on the coast and a living link to the sea’s traditions.
Istanbul offers photographers an uncommon range of subjects, combining architecture from multiple centuries with urban landscapes and waterways. This route includes Byzantine and Ottoman monuments such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, along with the Galata Tower that has stood over the old city since the 14th century. The Bosphorus separates Europe and Asia and provides the setting for historic sites including Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower, and waterfront palaces like Dolmabahce Palace and Kucuksu Palace. The route passes through districts with different character. Balat displays Ottoman wooden houses and narrow lanes, while Karakoy is known for its renovated industrial buildings. The Princes' Islands off the coast offer car-free streets and neoclassical mansions. Viewpoints like Camlica Hill and Pierre Loti Hill provide panoramic views of the city and the Sea of Marmara. Additional destinations include Suleymaniye Mosque, Emirgan Park with its tulip beds, and modern structures like Zorlu Center.
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