Native name: Kiz Kulesi
Maiden's Tower is located on a small isle located in the Bosphorus strait off the coast of Uskudar . It resides in the point where Bosphorus meets Marmara Sea . A guard tower was built in this place by Emperor Manuel Komneos (1143-80) to be used as a customs station and traffic control office . A chain was being stretched from this tower to another tower near Saraybumu and thus blocking enemy ships from passing . A new tower was built by Mehmet the Conqueror after the conquest of Istanbul . That tower was then demolished in the earthquake of 1509 to be restored again at the order of Yavuz Sultan Selim (1512-20) . The tower was then turned into a lighthouse for guiding ships after 16th century when the Ottoman Empire became powerful . The tower built in the reign of Yavuz was again destroyed in the fire of 1719 . When renovated again between 1725-26 , a glass kiosk was placed on it . The final current form of Maiden Tower was reached after the renovation made in the reign of Mahmut II (1808-39) .
Maidens Tower can be reached by boats departing from Salacak , Ortakoy and in weekends Kabatas . In addition of the fascinating view of the tower , you can also sit and enjoy the mystical atmosphere there in its cafeteria which
is open during daytime or its restaurant during nighttime .
