Tourism Minister says Maiden’s Tower to be restored to its original state
Minister of culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy answered questions on television and shared important news about some touristic attractions that will contribute to the sector more in the coming days.
MAIDEN’S TOWER PROJECT
Regarding project for Maiden’s Tower the Minister said,
“We have started a project called the “Eye of the Maiden’s Tower. We are working with Professsor Zeynep Ahunbay. We’ll renovate it back to its original look again.
We’ll make it public before we start working. We’ll restore it to its original state. We’ll have it done by April next year.
Maiden’s Tower is one of the most important and popular touristic destinations in Istanbul, visited by hundreds of thousands of guest each and every year.
It is built on a tiny island off Salacak and dates back to 24 BC . The tower is the subject of many legends. One of them, and the most famousone is “The Legend of Leandros” which has also given the tower its name (Leander’s Tower). The story of Leondros and Hero, lovers who challenge the sea between them, will end in tragedy.
The tower has been used as a defense castle, exile station, prison, quarantine room, radio station, tax point and lighthouse throughout its long history.
It is the symbol of Uskudar neighborhood and was restored by a private company in 2000 and opened as a cafe and restaurant.
