Hi friends!
Istanbul always gives the most beautiful impressions. Very many tourists come here more than once. A huge number of historical sites and monuments can not be viewed in one visit, and even more so to describe the short text. The black sea with the Marmara sea connects the beautiful Strait between Europe and Asia Minor called the Bosphorus. It also divides Istanbul into European and Asian parts. What is only worth visiting on the banks of the Bosphorus with its fabulous views in any weather. Professional photographers spend a lot of time there.
Today we will visit the most romantic place in Istanbul - the Maiden tower (Kız Kulesi). Every Turkish woman wants to marry in this place. Traveling by boat on the water side of Istanbul will bring you an unforgettable experience.
Lovers necessarily visit the Maiden tower-it is a symbol of their enduring love. Souvenirs from the tower you will find a huge number in Istanbul! There is another name of this attraction is Leandrou tower.
The tower Kız Kulesi is located on a small island on the Bosphorus near the shore of the Uskudar district (Üsküdar). It is the most important historical landmark of this district of Istanbul. Kız Kulesi was built by the Greeks in the V century BC.
Marine painter Ivan Aivazovsky painted a picture that shows the wonderful views of the Bosphorus and the Kyz Kulesi tower. The canvas is called "View of the Leander tower in Constantinople", written by the artist in 1848.
We approach the booth and buy a ticket. The cost of in both sides 5 dollars. In the tower do not need to pay, just walk. If you wish, then sit in the restaurant. Then pay a certain amount for the food.
We came to the Maiden tower. We examine the outer part. The entrance to the building looks like this. Let's go around the Maiden tower from different angles
Now let's see what is inside the Maiden tower.
In different historical times Maiden tower performed different functions. Sometimes she served as a lighthouse, a hospital, a customs office, even a prison. Some time even was the Keeper of cyanide. The exact time of construction is still unknown. Historians suggest that it was approximately 400 years BC At this time Athens was at war with Sparta. Athens (the Asian side of Istanbul today) defeated Sparta (part of European Istanbul). To protect and collect tribute on the territory of the Bosphorus was built a tower. But earlier the building was made of wood. In 1720 the turret burned down. The new building was built Damat Ibrahim Pasha, but already made of stone. Now Maiden tower is the oldest monument, a symbol of Istanbul and is rich in interesting legends.
There is a restaurant on the ground floor of the building.
In the evenings, the restaurant is full, live romantic music. The restaurant is quite expensive, a popular place makes itself felt. At a table by the window you'll have to pay to watch the beautiful Bosphorus.
Glass monuments with the history of the tower are hung all over the building.
Between the floors there is a souvenir shop with the theme of Maiden tower.
The story with photos of the Maiden tower.
On the second floor there is a room where you can try on Ottoman outfits and make a photo shoot. Here are the services of a professional photographer. Photographs made on the spot, and after walking once I can pick up.
The first legend of the Maiden tower is presented in the form of a picture on the next floor.
In the first legend said about the priestess of Aphrodite, hero, about, in love with her young man Leander. They could not be together. For prosperous swimming girl every evening lit the fire in the turret. It was a landmark for Leander. But once Gero not was able light up the fire, and the young man drowned. She was unable to experience the grief and jumped in the water depths. And killed a young couple. This is the Greek version of the legend. The tower this legend is sometimes called Landroval.
The Turkish version of the legend and the exposition are presented on the floor above.
Turkish Sultan predicted the death of his daughter to 18 years. He couldn't stand it and tried to save his daughter. To do this, he built a tower, put there daughter and no stranger to her was not allowed. On the birthday of his daughter had sent flowers, which was hiding a snake. The prediction was tragically justified. This is one version of the legend. The second version with a happy ending. The Persian Prince, who changed into a girl and made his way to the tower, becomes the Savior of the girl. In a moment of danger, he rescues a girl, then marry her.
The next floor is another legend of Battal Gazi and daughter of the Manager Uskudara.
Stunning views are opened from the small Windows of the Maiden tower.
Stairs of the Maiden tower.
On the top floor of the building there is a bar and an outside observation deck.
Views from the observation deck of Kyz Kulesi.
Interesting recesses in the walls of the tower.
Interesting is the fact that Baku is Icheri Sheher Maiden tower, the exact age can't define, but since 2005, began to consider the V century BC Interesting similarities. Researchers believe that in historical times from the tower there were underground tunnels that were filled. In Istanbul, from the Maiden tower was also a tunnel to the European part of Istanbul, but it was concreted.
Usually tourists have the first planned place to visit - it is Aya Sofia (Ayasofya), Fatih district. To get from Fatih to the Maiden tower is best in the metro station Sirkeci (Sirkeci). Just one stop and you are in the district of Üsküdar (üsküdar). The train passes one stop in the tunnel under the Bosphorus. From the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia to the Sirkeci Marmaray station (Sirkeci) 10 minute walk.
Photo taken on the iPhone 6S+