Lonely Queen "Maiden's Tower"

The Maiden's Tower (Turkish: Kız Kulesi), also known as Leander's Tower (Tower of Leandros) since the medieval Byzantine period, is a tower lying on a small islet located at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait 200 m (220 yd) from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey. The symbol of the Byzantine tower in Üsküdar is the only one remaining.Watchtower from time to time in history, the lighthouse used for such purposes.Has been one of the symbols of Istanbul.Can be seen today in the lower floor of the tower foundations and structure of the transfer is an important part Conqueror.Was allocated to tourism serves as the restaurants and cruise balcony.Maiden's Tower infatuation, a mysterious story structure reminiscent of the glamorous lover and expresses the loneliness in the midst of the sea.For centuries many stories about Maiden's Tower has been described almost a legend.

True History

After the naval victory at Cyzicus, the Ancient Athenian general Alcibiades possibly built a custom station for ships coming from the Black Sea on a small rock in front of Chrysopolis (today's Üsküdar). In 1110 Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus built a wooden tower protected by a stone wall. From the tower an iron chain stretched across to another tower erected on the European shore, at the quarter of Mangana inConstantinople. The islet was then connected to the Asiatic shore through a defense wall, whose underwater remains are still visible. during thesiege of Constantinople in 1453, the tower held a Byzantine Garrison commanded by the Venetian Gabriele Trevisano. After the conquest of the city, Sultan Mehmet II used the structure as a watch tower. The tower, mistakenly known as Leander's Tower after the legend of Hero and Leander(which took place in the Dardanelles), was destroyed during the earthquake of 1509, and burned in 1721. Since then it was used as a lighthouse, and the surrounding walls were repaired in 1731 and 1734, until in 1763 it was erected using stone. From 1829 the tower was used as a quarantinestation, and in 1832 was restored by Sultan Mahmud II. Restored again by the harbour authority in 1945, the most recent restoration began in 1998, and steel supports were added around the ancient tower as a precaution after the 17 August 1999 earthquake.

The interior of the tower has been transformed into a popular café and restaurant, with an excellent view of the former Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman capital. Private boats make trips to the tower several times a day.

Legend

Ovidius Story
Üsküdar on the slopes at one time there was a temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite.Hero, a priestess of the temple of young girls is one of his.and love is forbidden.Tower is tasked with looking at the doves.Every year in the spring awakening of nature around the temple ceremonies are performed on behalf of Those who can not find love to find love burns up in the sanctuary of Aphrodite.Leandros sitting on the opposite shore of the bosphorus would love to Her.Leandros night the tower will come and bless their love.Testifies to the love of two young people every night Tower secret.Leandros again came to the tower on a stormy day A jealous priest closes the lighthouse tower.Leandros will lose way in the dark waters of the sea.This sad situation Hero Immerse yourself in the waters of the Bosphorus.

Snake Story
To be a daughter of the Byzantine emperor.and the king is overjoyed.King scholars of the country is assigned to raising her daughters.However, one of the scholars Girl when it comes to the age of 18 will die poisoned by a snake tells reacted.This review is the king of the affected,Located on a small island in the middle of the sea is düzenlettir tower.Girl places here,protect the snake so the girls will have.After years of and daughter approached the age of eighteen.Despite all precautions, the girl sent a snake in a basket of grapes go into the tower.Before anyone even notice the princess is bitten by a snake.poisons and the girl dies.Very upset by this incident that they could not escape from the fate of the king.If your daughter buried think it would be fed to snakes.Mummy and daughter's corpse in a coffin built and brass liner notes.This coffin to be placed on top of one of the high walls of Hagia Sophia prompts.In this way, his daughter thinks that at least protected from the dead snake.These two holes have been seen on the coffin.After the death of her daughter and the snake is described as casual leave.

Battal Ghazi Story

Battal Gazi ,Maiden's tower with soldiers raided.Tower took the treasures found in.And the main reason for doing.Üsküdar Governor's this daughter is in love with.Battal Gazi boat goes to the tower with treasures and gets the girl.Mounts a horse runs away from Üsküdar."Horseback riding has passed Üsküdar" story comes here.