The Legend of Maiden’s Tower

Maiden’s Tower is a place located between the Istanbul straits which is nearly 2000 years old.

There are many stories about the tower but I have one in my mind and that’s what I would like to talk about in this writing. An emperor had a very beloved daughter whom an oracle predicted one day would be killed by a viper on her eighteenth birthday. To prevent his daughter from dying prematurely and to keep her away from snakes in the land, the emperor built this tower in the middle of the Bosphorus to protect his daughter until her 18th birthday. The princess lived in the tower and was often visited by only her father. On the princess’ eighteenth birthday, the emperor gave her a basket of exotic fruits as a birthday present. She was glad she could stop the prophecy. However, when she reached into the basket, an otter hidden in the fruit bit the little princess, and as the oracle foretold, she died in her father’s arms, hence the name Maiden Tower.

Other than its historical background and importancee, the Maiden’s Tower is one of the most interesting landmarks to be visited in Istanbul. It is a desired place not only for Turkish visitors, but also for the tourists coming to Istanbul from varies other countries. With its picturesque scenery, it gives people the best shots.

There are two ways of reaching the Tower. Either way requires a boat trip, which makes the trip even better as people can have a fresh smell of Istanbul, feed the pigeons and relax their mind on their way.

If you visit ıstanbul, do not miss the chance and visit the Tower. Make sure you get your camera to have a once in a lifetime experience.

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