A Splendor in the Heart of Istanbul: Beyazıt Tower
A mysterious tower in the city skyline.
Istanbul has hosted many civilizations throughout history, and it boasts countless structures that bear the traces of these cultures. One of these structures is Beyazıt Tower. Beyazıt Tower not only contributes to Istanbul's skyline but also stands out for its cultural and historical significance.
Beyazıt Tower was originally built in 1749 during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Mahmud I as a wooden structure. However, it suffered significant damage in a major fire in 1826 and was rebuilt using stone in 1828 during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II. Located in the Beyazıt Campus of Istanbul University, the tower was constructed for fire observation purposes.
During the Ottoman period, Beyazıt Tower played a crucial role in fire observation and public information dissemination. The tower was instrumental in Istanbul's fight against fires and gradually became a symbol. Today, with its historical and architectural value, it remains an important part of Istanbul's cultural heritage.
One of the most well-known features of Beyazıt Tower is its lighting system used for weather forecasting. This system is used to inform the public about the weather conditions for the next day. The meanings of the colors used in the tower are as follows: Blue Light: Indicates that the weather will be clear the next day. Green Light: Indicates that it will be rainy the next day. Yellow Light: Indicates that it will be foggy the next day. Red Light: Indicates that it will be snowy the next day.
Beyazıt Tower holds a significant place as a symbol of Istanbul's historical and cultural richness. It has played a major role in the past with its fire observation function and continues to serve a modern function with its weather forecasting system. When in Istanbul, do not forget to visit Beyazıt Tower to explore the beauty and functionality of this historical structure.