Beyazıt Tower

One of Istanbul’s most distinctive structures, the Beyazıt Tower, was used for many centuries to protect the city from fires. Let us now explore this historic tower together!

^{Beyazıt Tower (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

Istanbul was frequently affected by fires in the past, so protecting its people was essential. In 1720, Damat İbrahim Paşa established the Tulumbacı Ocağı to fight fires. The Tulumbacılar were the heroic firefighters. In 1749, a major fire broke out—the Küçükpazar Fire—which even consumed the Ağakapısı Palace. It was then decided to build a wooden tower to detect fires early. This tower was called the Fire Watchtower. The young men who kept watch on it were known as “köşklü.” They monitored the city day and night and immediately reported any fires.

This wooden tower burned down several times and was rebuilt each time. In 1826, after the Janissary Corps was disbanded, the tower was demolished. But just two days later, another fire broke out, prompting authorities to decide on constructing a new tower. In 1828, the current stone tower, known as the Beyazıt Tower, was built. It was constructed to be extremely sturdy and still stands today!

The Beyazıt Tower rises within the grounds of Istanbul University. It stands 85 meters tall, and to reach its top, you must climb 256 wooden steps. The tower consists of four levels: the Watch Level, the Signal Level, the Basket Level, and the Flag Level. At the Watch Level, the köşklü would observe for fires. When a fire was spotted, they would lower a basket from the Basket Level or raise a flag at the Signal Level. At night, they lit red lanterns and torches to alert other towers. At the very top, the Flag Level featured a flagpole.

The exterior of the tower is beautifully designed. Its base resembles a truncated pyramid, while its upper section is rounded and fluted. The Watch Level has twelve windows, between which floral patterns are carved, and the ceiling features landscape paintings. These paintings depict pavilions, bridges, fountains, and even the tower itself! Visitors enter the tower through the northern entrance, where stairs lead upward.

The Beyazıt Tower has witnessed many events over the years. In 1849, the wooden cap atop its summit was replaced with stone chambers. In 1884, it suffered damage during an earthquake but was repaired in 1889 with the addition of a new flagpole. In 1909, lightning struck the tower and damaged its lightning rod. It served as a fire observation tower until 1923. Afterward, it was used solely for weather reporting: a yellow light indicated fog, a red light indicated snow, a green light indicated rain, and a blue light meant clear weather.

The tower was restored in 1997 and 2010. In 2013, it became the Istanbul University Beyazıt Tower Monumental Museum. Today, it continues to display weather conditions while also opening its doors to visitors.

^{Beyazıt Tower (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

The Beyazıt Tower is still used for fire observation. At the same time, tourists are welcome to visit. If you ever go, climbing its stairs will reward you with a magnificent view of Istanbul!

The Beyazıt Tower stands like a hero preserving Istanbul’s history—fighting fires and adding beauty to the city. Don’t you think this tower is truly remarkable?