Kız Kulesi is one of Istanbul and Turkey's most iconic pieces of architecture, known as Maiden's Tower, Tower of Leandros, or Bosphorus Tower. The Tower is on a small natural islet in the Bosphorus, which creates a beautiful sight and an exciting story.

What is the history of Kız Kulesi?

Let's have a look at the history of this fantastic place before telling the story. During the 5th century, the first Tower here was designed by an Athenian commander to monitor ships passing through the Bosphorus and collect their taxes. When the Ottomans took over, it began to be used as a lighthouse. 

Leander’s Tower

The Tower has several myths and legends related to it. The two most famous stories are about love. 

According to the first myth, the Leander's Tower legend tells of two star-crossed lovers, a priestess of Aphrodite called Hero, and a young man named Leander. They fell in love. Every night, Leander would swim from the mainland to the island to see Hero. Hero would light a fire at the Tower's top to help him arrive at the island safely. 

Despite the strong wind, one stormy night, Leander decided to swim again. The waves he saw crashing on the beach could end their love. It was a crazy decision, but there was no other choice, so he swam. The wind blew out Hero's light. Leander was stranded in the middle of the sea. 

A lover’s hopeful trip turns into a terrifying test of survival. After a while, Leander became completely lost. High waves raised and dropped his body, sending Leander crashing through the water. 

"Leander, Leander!" Hero yelled and cried into the dark night. "If you are not coming to get me, I am coming!" said Hero. "I am coming!" Leander shouted back. Shortly after that, sounds died, and Leander drowned. The wind continued to rage, driving Leander farther out to sea. After hours, when Leander's body reached the Tower, Hero decided she couldn't live without him and took her own life to be with Leander.

The Maiden’s Tower

Another myth speaks of a Byzantine princess, who an oracle prophesized would be bitten by a snake and die before turning 18. The Emperor (her doting father), frightened, sent her to the Tower to shield her until she turned 18. Her father visited her to celebrate this birthday, bringing a basket of fruit. But, unknown to him, a serpent lay hidden inside and bit her, causing the tragic prophecy to come true.

The tower became something of a star internationally, with many film and television roles in the last years. Kız Kulesi was most famously starred in the 1999 Bond film, ‘The World is Not Enough.’

How can I go to the island?

You can take a boat from either Kabataş or Salacak (on the road between Uskudar and Harem). It takes 10 minutes from Kabataş and less than a minute from Üsküdar. Make sure to check the time schedule of the boat service in advance. 

Serif Aydin

Serif Aydin is a student at Algonquin College. He is an editor-in-chief of a Turkish literary magazine and an activist.

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