Monday, January 31, 2011

Exploring Istanbul: The Maiden's Tower/ Kizkulesi

More of Exploring Istanbul.

I believe that the storyline of Sleeping Beauty originated from Istanbul's legend. Well, that is, if my understanding of the story is correct or accurate.

So, once upon a time, during the Byzantine empire, emperor heard a prophecy that his beloved daughter would die at the age of 18 by a snake. He decided to put her in this tower built on a rock on the Bosphorus (southern entrance) isolated from the land thus no snake could kill her.Eventually, a snake hidden in a fruit basket brought from the city bit the princess and killed her. One can't find destiny even the emperor. 

The tower is built since 5 BC.That is way too long back. And it was used as a lighthouse and watch tower during the Ottoman period.

You remember that James Bond movie played by Pierce Brosnan (aahhhh), The World is Not Enough? Yes? Who wouldn't! Well, you remember that scene where M was held captive by oil tycoon daughter, Sophie something (sorry - was focused on Bond!), and a nuclear submarine was underneath the tower? This is THE tower!


The tower is now a restaurant. We could have went there with the boat but it was too cold for the kids. One of the to do list for our next visit.

Here are lots of photo memories of our visit. Kerim had to stay inside the car with the grandparents. He was taking his royal nap. ;)



Mommy and daughter waiting for 007

well, close to Pierce Brosnan - here's Daddy's pose!

The Maiden's Tower
We wanted a picture of the two of us with the tower - bozos, the tower is right behind us.
Kylie can't take the picture - freezing cold hahaha
There you go! The Maiden Tower, The Pinay and The Turk

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