Stories & Legends of Istanbul

Explore Istanbul through captivating myths, legends, and historical anecdotes that make the city unique.

Galata Tower Legend

The iconic Galata Tower, built in 1348, is surrounded by the legend of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi. He supposedly flew across the Bosphorus with homemade wings from its top. This daring flight is celebrated as one of the most incredible feats of human ingenuity during the Ottoman era, inspiring generations of inventors and adventurers.

Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi)

This tower sits on a tiny islet in the Bosphorus and is tied to a tragic legend. An oracle predicted that a princess would die from a snake bite, so she was kept in the tower. Despite precautions, fate intervened, and a snake hidden in a fruit basket reached her, fulfilling the prophecy. The tower now stands as a symbol of love, fate, and mystery in Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern Mysteries

Beneath the city streets lies the Basilica Cistern. Its dimly lit columns have inspired stories of hidden treasures and secret passages. Legends say that ghosts of Byzantine times wander here, and the Medusa-head columns are said to have mystical powers. The soft reflections on water add an eerie and magical feeling for every visitor.

Hippodrome Legends

The Hippodrome was the center of Byzantine life. It hosted chariot races and public gatherings. Secret messages, conspiracies, and political plots often took place here, shaping the empire’s fate. Today, only monuments remain, but the stories of grandeur and intrigue echo through history.