In Turkish the tower is called Kiz kulesi or the Maiden Tower, but mistakenly called “Leander Tower”. In fact the legend of Leander was occured near Abydos in the Dardanelles. Kiz kulesi is a small and attractive tower constructed on an tiny islet on the bosphorus which is one the most familiar sights in Istanbul. During reign of Manuel Comnenus in the 12th century a small fortress constructed here to extend a chain between here and acropolis on European part to close the strait. At later periods used as a ligthhouse, custom control point and house for retired naval officers. It took its present appearence from 18th century.

Maiden Tower on Google Maps