Why visit
Built in 1828 and rebuilt after a fire, the 85-metre stone tower served as the city’s main fire lookout until the 20th century and still functions as a landmark visible from much of the old city.
What to see
Climbing the narrow spiral staircase rewards visitors with a 360-degree view that includes the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the domes of the Süleymaniye Mosque complex.
Plan your visit
Access is through the university gates; modest clothing and a small entrance fee apply. The site is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar and Beyazıt Mosque, making it an easy add-on for afternoon light.
Good to know
Muslim travelers find the tower useful for orientation before or after visiting the nearby Süleymaniye Mosque; prayer space is available inside the university mosque.
