Maiden's Tower, also known as Leander's Tower, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Istanbul. Sitting on a small islet in the Bosphorus, just off the coast of Salacak, this historic tower captures the imagination of both locals and visitors.
The Legend Behind the Tower
According to local legend, the tower gets its name from a tragic story. A king built the tower to protect his daughter from a prophecy that predicted she would die from a snakebite on her birthday. He hoped that by isolating her on the islet, she would be safe. However, fate had other plans. A snake, hidden inside a basket of fruit sent by her father as a birthday gift, made its way into the tower and fulfilled the prophecy.
A Tower with Many Roles
Throughout history, Maiden's Tower has had many uses. Originally, it served as a defensive structure. There was once a wall connecting the tower to the Asian shore, and during Byzantine times, a heavy chain was stretched from here across the Bosphorus to the European side. This chain would block enemy ships from entering the waterway during times of conflict. However, the chain was not used during the final Ottoman siege in 1453.
In the centuries that followed, the tower was adapted for different purposes. It served as a customs station, a quarantine facility, a lighthouse, and even a warehouse for various goods. More recently, before its most recent restoration, it was home to an upscale restaurant.
The Tower Today
After its latest restoration, completed in 2023, Maiden's Tower has been dedicated as a museum. Each evening at 21:00, a light show illuminates the tower, which can be easily viewed from the mainland, offering a striking sight across the Bosphorus.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiden%27s_Tower
