LEANDER’S TOWER (Maiden’s Tower)
Leander's Tower (Maiden's Tower)
Built at the entrance to the Bosphorus during the ruling of Ahmed III, Leander Tower is a beautiful and unique site located on a small islet in the city. Also known as Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi), it happens to be one of the romantic symbols of the city of Istanbul. Its construction dates back to 12th century. However, the building which we see today was constructed in 18th century.
It can be seen quite clearly from many famous places of Istanbul including Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace and Ortakoy district. It is a landmark for all the ships coming to the Bosphorus.
There is a famous Turkish legend associated with this tower according to which a father locked his daughter, a princess, in the tower because of a prophecy. The prophecy was that his daughter was likely to die due to a snake bite. So, in order to save his daughter’s life, the father locked her in this tower which is now known as the Maiden’s Tower. However, as the fate would have it, the tragedy does take place and the princess is bitten by a snake hidden in a fruit basket and she dies.
The place which was a lighthouse, a fort, a prison and a watchtower during the Byzantine Era has another myth attached to it. The incident took place in the city of Abydos. According to this legend, Leander wanted to save the Hero, his lover, and thus tried to swim to reach his lover.
According to yet another story named Manuel Commene, a Byzantine emperor was furious when he learnt about his daughter’s affair. So, he ordered this tower to be built and imprisoned the girl in it. Hence, the name the Leander Tower.
During the 12th century, a small fort was built by the emperor Manuel Comnenus right at the place where the Leander Tower is located now days. This tower is a major tourist attraction and functions as a small museum of Bosphorus, a gift shop, a terrace, a restaurant and a coffee house.
After the city of Istanbul was conquered by the Turks, the tower was in a damaged state. So, the Turks felt the need to get it repaired at the earliest. However, a few years later, this wooden tower, while serving as a light house, got burnt and ruined. During the ruling of Sultan Ahmed III, Nevsehirli Damat Ibrahim Pacha, an assistant of the emperor, built a stone tower in 1719.
As mentioned earlier, Kiz Kulesi (The Leander’s Tower) also served as a prison during the Ottoman era. The tower was, however, left unused for a while. A Turkish Marinary Bank, Denizcilik Bank, took upon the work of restoration of this tower and it then served as Observation Radar Station and lighthouse.
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