Beyazıt Tower
A 19th-century fire-watch tower in the main campus of Istanbul University at Beyazıt.
Images: Envato (licensed)
Historic Peninsula · Not within walking distance
Why visit?
On a walk between the Grand Bazaar and Süleymaniye, to see the city’s old fire-watch tower from Beyazıt Square.
Short History
The present stone tower was built in 1828, in the reign of Sultan Mahmud II, to watch for fires; its design is attributed to Senekerim Balyan. It is about 85 metres tall. For a time, coloured lights lit on the tower also announced the weather.
About
Beyazıt Tower rises in the courtyard of the campus, behind the main gate of Istanbul University on Beyazıt Square. It is a slender stone tower visible from many parts of the historic peninsula.
What to know before visiting
How to get here from Meşale
Route from Meşale that we use ourselves: Grand Bazaar · Çemberlitaş · Beyazıt
about 21 min- Walk 8 min towards Sultanahmet
- T1 Sultanahmet → Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı
- Walk 2 min towards Grand Bazaar — Beyazıt Gate
The last rail service is around 00:00; plan your way back in advance if you stay out late.
Your map app calculates the time from live traffic, so we don't print a fixed figure here.
Our walking routes stay within Sultanahmet; this place is reached by public transport.
Get DirectionsView on Google MapsReservation at MeşaleVisit Information
- From Meşale
- Public transport · 1.4 km as the crow flies
- Area
- Historic Peninsula
- Hours
- Entry by special permission only — seen from outside
- Ticket
- Seen from outside
Highlights
- Its silhouette from Beyazıt Square
- Fire-watch tower
- Stone tower attributed to the Balyan family
Tags
Source & Freshness
- Source:
- Kültür Envanteri
- Last checked:
- November 8, 2026
Hours and prices are for guidance only. Please confirm with an official source before your visit.