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Üsküdar sits directly across the Bosphorus from Old Istanbul, on the Asian shore, with the Maiden's Tower just offshore — a small islet fortress that has guarded the entrance to the strait since the 12th century. The waterfront is lined with Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, the 16th-century Sinan masterpiece, and a row of small fishing tea gardens. Charter boats use the small marina at Salacak or Kuzguncuk; from there the southern Bosphorus opens up immediately, with views back to the silhouette of Sultanahmet and the Hagia Sophia. The Asian side stays quieter than European Istanbul. Season runs April through November.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is dedicated to Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent. According to popular stories, it is said that the architect Mimar Sinan was in love with Mihrimah Sultan and, therefore, built two mosques in her name. The other mosque is located in Edirnekapı. It is also said that as the sun sets over the mosque in Edirnekapı, the moon rises over the mosque in Üsküdar, reflecting the Persian meaning of "Mihrimah," which is sun and moon. Sinan first used his signature half-domes in this mosque. Another name for Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is the Jetty Mosque. Initially, when it was built by the seashore, sultans would arrive by boat. The view from its fountain is described as one of the best in Istanbul.
The Yeni Valide Mosque, a standout architectural achievement of its era, was designed and built by Kayserili Mehmed Ağa, a distinguished architect of the Tulip Period. This mosque encapsulates the refined taste and sophistication of the Valide Sultan, showcasing the classical Ottoman architectural style. Notably, the mosque's courtyard houses an octagonal fountain, while the exquisite stone craftsmanship of the fountain dedicated to Gülnûş Emetullah Sultan is especially noteworthy, reflecting the artistic and cultural heights reached during the period.
Semsi Pasha Mosque is a small mosque constructed by Mimar Sinan on the Üsküdar shoreline. Semsi Pasha requested a mosque that would not allow birds to perch on it, a challenging demand he placed before Mimar Sinan. Ingeniously, Sinan chose such a location that fulfilled Pasha's wish. Due to the wind currents at this spot, birds do not perch on the mosque, earning it the nickname "Kuşkonmaz Camii" (the Birdless Mosque).
Rum Mehmed Pasha Mosque, located a short walk from Semsi Pasha Mosque on the left uphill, was built for Rum Mehmed Pasha, one of the Grand Viziers of Mehmed the Conqueror, who was of Greek origin. As the first mosque constructed on the Anatolian side of Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire, its central dome is higher than the others, giving the building a Byzantine appearance. The original plan included complex elements such as a madrasa, bathhouse, and soup kitchen, but these structures have not survived to the present day.
The Maiden's Tower is not only a landmark of its district but also one of the most iconic symbols of Istanbul. Located in the middle of the Bosphorus, close to the entrance of the strait and near the Sea of Marmara, this historic tower stands on a small islet. The first structure on this site was built in 411 BC by the Athenian general Alcibiades to control Persian movements. Later, Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos constructed a small fortress here. The original fortress of Komnenos was replaced by a smaller castle built by Mehmed the Conqueror, which was damaged in the earthquake of 1509 and restored by Sultan Selim I. The Maiden's Tower was once used as a prison. After being severely damaged in a fire, the tower was renovated by Damat Ibrahim Pasha, the Grand Vizier of Sultan Ahmed III, and turned into a lighthouse. The tower's most recent form was commissioned by Sultan Mahmud II.
According to a popular legend, a Byzantine Emperor had a beautiful daughter. One day, a soothsayer told the emperor that his daughter would be bitten by a snake. To protect her, the emperor locked her away in the Maiden's Tower. However, an old woman managed to enter the tower with a basket of grapes, hiding a snake inside. Unfortunately, the snake bit the princess, leading to a tragic end to the story.
The structure that resembles a fortress with its four towers is the Selimiye Barracks, which also gives its name to the district where it is located. During the Crimean War, the barracks were converted into a hospital where Florence Nightingale, by implementing basic hygiene practices, significantly reduced the death rate among wounded soldiers, earning her a place in medical history.
