With its thousands of legends, Istanbul is one of the most talked-about cities among world travelers. And the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is among the first places that come to mind when Istanbul is mentioned. This elegant tower, located 200 meters off the Asian shores of the city, directly opposite Üsküdar, remains a mystery in many ways—why and when it was built, who lived inside, and what stories unfolded there. Yet, the name ‘Maiden’s Tower’ suits it perfectly, and we still wonder about that mysterious girl (if she ever existed!) who supposedly lived there. Inspired by this curiosity, today we bring you a story that feels like a lullaby—a kind of Maiden’s Tower legend. Since we don’t know exactly what the tower symbolizes or what message it conveys, we turn to its legends to define it, inviting you to lose yourself in these tales in honor of all the Maiden’s Tower Lovers throughout history. But first, let’s briefly introduce the tower for those who know little about it!
Quick Facts About the Maiden’s Tower
- When was the Maiden’s Tower built, and who built it? No one knows for certain. But it is widely accepted that the Byzantines were its first true owners, and its history dates back to ancient times. According to the most well-known account, the Athenian general Alcibiades built a structure here in the 5th century BC to control ships passing through the Bosphorus and collect taxes.
- There’s also historical evidence that the tower was used for security purposes. In the 12th century, during the Byzantine Empire, Emperor Komnenos is believed to have built two major defensive towers—one where the Mangana Monastery stood on the Historical Peninsula, and the other on this small island off the Üsküdar coast. A chain stretched between these towers helped block and control enemy ships attempting to pass through the Bosphorus.
- During the famous period of Istanbul’s conquest, the islet where the Maiden’s Tower stands was used as a base by the Venetians, who fought against the Ottoman army while trying to assist the Byzantines.
- After Mehmed the Conqueror took Istanbul, the islet was transformed into a fortress by the Ottomans and hosted many performances of the Mehter band (Ottoman military band).
- Our national traveler Evliya Çelebi described the Maiden’s Tower in his famous Travelogue (Seyahatname) as: “In the sea, at the distance of an arrow shot from the land. Its height is 80 arşın (about 60 meters), its surface area covers 200 steps. It is four-sided and has two doors.”
- Although we know it as an elegant symbol today, it’s worth noting that during the cholera epidemic of the 1830s, the tower was used as a quarantine station and an exile spot for criminals.
The Heartbreaking Legends of the Tower
How about listening to some Maiden’s Tower fairy tales now? Like most tales, many end in tragedy, but every story of this little tower is filled with love and longing.
The Serpent Legend of the Maiden’s Tower
For those wondering how a snake could appear on an island in the middle of the Sea of Marmara—this legend is for you. The story unfolds in Byzantine times, featuring a Byzantine emperor and his beautiful daughter. A prophecy foretold that the princess would die from a snakebite on her 18th birthday. Determined to prevent this fate, the emperor built the Maiden’s Tower to protect her. But the prophecy came true when a snake, hidden inside a basket of grapes delivered to the princess, bit and killed her. Devastated by grief, the emperor had her body mummified and placed in a brass coffin, which was then hidden somewhere inside Hagia Sophia. By the way, have you ever visited Hagia Sophia?
The Legend of Leandros and Hero’s Love
This tale tells of one of mythology’s impossible loves. At that time, the site of the tower was said to have been a temple, where Hero, a stunningly beautiful priestess, lived. Although she had vowed devotion to the gods, her heart fell for a young man named Leandros. Their forbidden love led to secret meetings, as Leandros swam across the strait each night, guided by Hero’s torchlight. One stormy night, her torch blew out, leaving Leandros lost amidst the waves, and he drowned. Unable to bear the grief, Hero threw herself into the sea, hoping to reunite with him. Though this tale is said to be inspired by a myth from the Dardanelles, it’s no surprise that the island became associated with love. In fact, due to this legend, the Maiden’s Tower was long known as Leander’s Tower.
The Greek King’s Legend
In this version, a king named Kharis mourns his beloved wife. To honor her memory, he built a marble mausoleum on the island where the Maiden’s Tower now stands.
The Battal Gazi Legend: Kidnapping a Girl from the Island
Battal Gazi, who besieged Istanbul for seven years, fell in love with the daughter of the Lord of Üsküdar. Though unable to conquer Istanbul, he defeated the lord, who had locked his daughter away on the island to keep her from Battal Gazi. After seizing both the girl and the lord’s treasure, Battal Gazi fled, prompting the despairing lord to utter the famous phrase: “The one who took the horse has already crossed Üsküdar!”
The Love Story of Galata Tower
In this legend involving Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, the male character is Galata Tower, and the obstacle to their love is the Bosphorus itself. It is said that Hezarfen attached wings to himself to deliver Galata’s love letters to the Maiden’s Tower. Though the wind scattered the letters into the blue, and the Maiden’s Tower never read them, she always somehow knew that Galata loved her…
What Can You Do at the Maiden’s Tower?
Today, the Maiden’s Tower, clearly visible from the Salacak promenade in Üsküdar, serves as a stunning backdrop for weddings and photo shoots. There’s also a restaurant where you can book a table for breakfast or dinner. Whether celebrating a wedding anniversary or simply sipping tea, the tower offers an unforgettable experience.
How to Get to There
For those unfamiliar with its location: The Maiden’s Tower is on a small, lonely, proud islet in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, between Beşiktaş and Üsküdar. You can only reach the island via boats departing from Salacak or Kabataş. From Salacak, boats depart every 15 minutes until 6 PM daily. From Kabataş, boats depart on the hour. You can get information on her official website here.
