Fenerbahçe Lighthouse, Maritime navigation structure in Fenerbahçe neighborhood, Istanbul, Turkey.
Fenerbahçe Lighthouse is a cylindrical tower standing 25 meters high on the northern coast of the Sea of Marmara, with white walls marked by black bands. The structure features two viewing galleries and serves as a key navigation aid for vessels in the area.
The lighthouse was built in 1856 during the Crimean War to guide naval vessels through the critical entrance to the Bosphorus Strait. It marked a period when coastal fortification was vital for controlling this strategic waterway.
The name of the surrounding neighborhood comes from this maritime beacon, as Fener means lighthouse and bahçe means garden in Turkish. It remains a familiar landmark for locals and visitors who walk along the waterfront.
The lighthouse sends out two flashing signals every twelve seconds with a visual range of about fifteen nautical miles across the water. The best time to visit is during daylight when you can see the structure and surrounding waters clearly.
When visibility drops, a fog signal system activates every sixty seconds to alert approaching ships. This acoustic warning is often the only guide for captains when rain or mist completely blocks the view.
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