According to the statement made by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it is one of the iconic structures of Istanbul and its history dates back to BC. The Maiden's Tower, which dates back to 410 BC, will be opened to the public as a memorial museum on May 2021, after the extensive restoration works initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in September 11. In the light of international restoration principles and Prof. Dr. Feridun Cili, Prof. Dr. As a result of the restoration works carried out under the guidance of the scientific committee consisting of Zeynep Ahunbay and Ağahan Architecture Award winner Architect Han Tümertekin, the Maiden's Tower, which regained its original form during the reign of Mahmut II, will once again become the apple of the eye of Istanbul.
During the works started two years ago, it was understood that the Maiden's Tower was damaged due to the salts and other chemicals in the concrete and cement used in the repairs over time, and that even the carrier columns and beams were not connected to each other. The investigations also revealed that the Maiden's Tower, which is the apple of the eye of Istanbul, would be completely damaged in case of a major earthquake.
It has been made original…
In the restoration works started, the data of the end of the 18th century, which contains the most information and documents in the sources that have reached the present day, were used. In the light of this information, the non-original roof additions in the tower and castle section were removed and brought to their original state. During the process, static problems of the structure were determined with technologies such as chemical analyzes, georadar imaging systems, and laser scanners, and strengthening methods were determined. During the georadar works, the original walls, in which voids were observed, were strengthened by injection method.
The historical main walls of the building were strengthened with invisible braces made of stainless steel and the original dendan walls of the castle section were exposed. The wall and the dome were created in accordance with the original with wooden carriers on the balcony flooring carcass, the wooden coverings of the walls were completed and the decorative elements were manufactured. The dome was covered with lead, its original material. The copper realm, on the other hand, was covered with gold leaf by making conservation studies. Lightning rod was built next to it for lightning protection without damaging the original realm.
As a result of the works carried out, areas were created where visitors can walk around the wooden twitch terrace in the courtyard, climb the stairs to the tower and watch Istanbul as they wish. As a result of all these efforts, the Maiden's Tower, which has been watched by Istanbulites from Istanbul until today, will now continue as a memorial museum where Istanbul can be watched to the fullest from the tower.
All precautions were taken against the earthquake.
On the other hand, as a result of the restoration works, steel-concrete integrated piles were also built around the island in order not to damage the structure in a possible earthquake or ground movement. The surrounding of the building was strengthened with reinforced concrete support beams and reinforced concrete pavement, taking support from piles anchored to the bedrock around the island.
In order to transfer the Maiden's Tower to future generations, the island was fortified with 25 piles at an average depth of 201 meters, and it was protected against the effects of waves, especially in the north, west and south-west directions, where the dominant wave is high. The platform around the tower has also been completely renovated.
In addition to all these works, the clean water line to the Maiden's Tower was overhauled and the energy lines were renewed. Since there was no sewage treatment unit or access to sewerage in the old situation, an underground biological treatment system was also built. Within the scope of the landscaping, precast units that are resistant to the marine environment with lighting devices and barriers against the waves, where visitors can sit and rest, were placed.
The story of the Maiden's Tower will be told with lights
The Maiden's Tower, which will open its doors to its visitors on May 11, is also planned to become a center of attraction again in Istanbul. For this reason, a unique light and sound show was designed between the Maiden's Tower and Galata Tower, which tells about the love that is the subject of poems and stories. The first show will be held on Thursday evening, May 11, when the Maiden's Tower will be opened to visitors, at 21.00 and will be repeated every evening at the same time.
On the other hand, all the historical information about the Maiden's Tower, the productions carried out during the restoration works and all the detailed reports about the data obtained can be accessed on the kizkulesi.gov.tr website of the Maiden's Tower.