TOWER OF LEANDER - ISTANBUL

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Among most prominent symbols of Turkey's tourism Maiden's Tower (Tower of Leander) has a unique place together with Dead Sea in Fethiye. This beautiful historical place is located on a small islet right in the middle of the sea, a couple of miles from the shore of the "Uskudar" district in the Asian side of the city.

The places can also be viewed from popular touristic spots such as Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortakoy.

The legend says a princess was locked up in the tower by her father because of a prophecy. which alerted him that his daughter would die by the bite of a snake. The father who wanted to protect the princess put her in the tower. The story has a sad end as the princess dies by the snake that was brought to the islet in a basket of grapes.

According to a legend the story takes takes place in the city of Abydos in the strait of Dardanelles but is somehow related to the Maiden's Tower, by mistake. Leander tries to see his lover Hero and attempts to cross the strait without success and drowns.

The history of the building is said to go back to the 12th century when the emperor Manuel Comnenus built a small fortress where the tower was located. He wanted to tie a chain to close the Bosphorus straight. The other end of the chain was tied to Tower of Mangana.

Until today the tower has been used as a lighthouse, semaphore station, quarantine, customs control area, and home for retired naval officers. The building that is open for visitors today dates back to 18th century.

Categorie	: TARİHİ YERLER
Reading	: 1282
Date	: 26.09.2010, 18:45

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