Rumeli Feneri, Maritime navigation tower at Bosphorus entrance, Istanbul, Turkey.
Rumeli Feneri is an octagonal lighthouse on the European shore of the Bosphorus at the strait's northern entrance. The structure rises about 30 meters and faces its twin lighthouse across the water on the opposite bank.
French engineers built this lighthouse in 1830 to guide warships during the Crimean War period. The construction represented an important step in modern maritime navigation at this strategic location.
The grounds host a shrine dedicated to Sari Saltuk, a revered Muslim saint whose tomb draws visitors seeking spiritual connection. This combination of maritime function and sacred space reflects how the location holds meaning across different communities.
The lighthouse sits in an area that is easy to reach on foot and offers good views across the strait from shore. Plan your visit when daylight conditions are best so you can see clearly to both sides of the Bosphorus.
The lighthouse sends two white flashes every 12 seconds and can be spotted from about 18 nautical miles away. This precise signaling has helped countless ships navigate safely through the busy and narrow strait.
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