For my final blog post, I decided to write about an iconic artifact in Istanbul called “kiz kulesi” also known as “maidens tower”.  Standing on a small island at the entrance of the Bosphorus Strait stands an iconic tower. This tower – called the maidens tower-  has significance both historically and culturally. With it’s iconic design and placement, this ancient tower has caused significant attraction and interest to both visitors and residents for centuries. In this blog post, I will talk about the charming and fascinating landmark of Istanbul known as the Maiden’s tower.

Due to its peculiar location, many legends have arised from this tower, thanks to the imagination of people. One of the most popular and known tale about this tower describes a story where a Byzantine emperor builds this tower after learning about a prophecy that his daughter will be killed by a snake, and moves her daughter to the tower for her safety. However, despite his efforts to protect his daughter, a snake hidden in a fruit basket bites his daughter and kills her. I remember hearing this tale as a child and finding it very fascinating. This shows how peculiar landmarks can be a source for legends.

This tower is also architecturally pleasing due to its history. Originally built in the 5th century BCE by the Eastern Roman Empire(Byzantine empire) as a strategic defense fortification, the Maiden’s Tower has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. Its elegant Easter Roman design elements can be reflected in the tower, contributing to its visual appeal. It has also been subjected to Ottoman rule and modern Turkish republic rule, with various renovations occurring. This shows how it was still a key part of Istanbul for the governments after the Eastern Roman empire.

As one of Istanbuls most recognizable and iconic landmarks, the Maiden’s Tower holds a special place in the heart of the inhabitants of the city. It can easily be said that it is a symbol of Istanbuls identity. The madiens tower has always had a significant part in the literature, art and popular culture of Istanbul. This makes it serve as a symbol of Istanbuls cultural identity and heritage.

The maidens tower still holds extreme relevance today. It is undoubtedly a big tourist attraction, with thousands of people coming from worldwide to see it with their own eyes. This allows the building to contribute to the economy of Istanbul and Turkey. It is also something that locals like visiting, I personally remember visiting it as a child. Although I don’t remember it in detail, I was still impressed as a child.

In conclusion, the maiden tower is a major part of Istanbul,  culturally, historically and economically. It is important to preserve such buildings with care as they can be pat of a city’s identity.

Sources:

Maiden’s Tower | Müze İstanbul (muze.gen.tr)

» The Maiden’s Tower, a landmark of Istanbul (barcelo.com)

For my 6th passion blog about Istanbul, I decided to write about the street cats of Istanbul. In the bustling streets of Istanbul a certain population can be seen. Those are the street cats of Istanbul. They are seen everywhere, in restaurants, cafes, streets and parks. It is almost impossible to completely avoid them.  These street cats are not just ordinary strays, it is safe to say that they are a beloved and integral part of Istanbul’s culture. They are also very iconic.

Istanbul’s cats are more than just cute additions to the regular streets. They are a key aspect for many historical sites, attracting visitors and making those places even more appealing. These include the historically significant sites Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace. In those places, cats can be seen interacting with the visitors and behaving in a cute way, and thus making those sites even more appealing and memorable.

Moreover, the cultural significance of these cats should not be underestimated. Cats hold a special place in Turkish culture, with references to them found in literature, folklore, and even religious texts. Certain cats have become so iconic that they became associated with certain streets/locations. One of these is the cat “Tombili” which became so iconic and popular that a statue of him was built on the street he roamed after his death.

Istanbul’s cats are also cared for and supported by the inhabitants of the city. Feeding them and providing shelter for them is a common activity done by Turkish citizens. It is especially common for feeding the cats that live one’s house. This is also an activity that me and my family commonly engaged in and something that we enjoyed. Providing medical care is also something done by the Turkish citizens. The inhabitants of Istanbul taking care of the street cats is a testament to the deep bond between the inhabitants of Istanbul and cats.

In conclusion, cats are a major part of Istanbul without a doubt.  These cats are a significant addition to the city’s culture, they attract visitors, improve the mood of the residents, make historical sites even more popular, and overall creates a positive spirit for the city. It is crucial to recognize all of the benefits that these animals can add to a city and take care of them.

Sources:

Istanbul Honours Beloved Stray Cat With A Statue After Death – News18

Why Are There So Many Cats in Istanbul? (legalnomads.com)