Hidirlik Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hıdırlık Tower |
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Hıdırlık Tower
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| General information | |
| Type | Observation tower |
| Location | Karaalioglu Park, Turkey |
| Coordinates | 36°52′53″N 30°42′13″E / 36.88139°N 30.70361°E |
The Hıdırlık Tower (which means "a place of Khidr" in Turkish) is a famous old tower in Antalya, Turkey. It stands where the old city walls meet the sea. This tawny (light brown) stone tower is a well-known landmark. It is located in a beautiful spot where the historic area of Kaleiçi meets Karaalioğlu Park.
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History of Hıdırlık Tower
The Hıdırlık Tower has a long and interesting history. It was first built by the Roman Empire around the second century CE. At first, it had a square shape. Later, in the same century, it was changed into a round tower.
The Tower's Many Uses
Over the centuries, the tower served different purposes. During the time of the Byzantine Empire, it was used as a military outpost. This means it was a place where soldiers watched for enemies. It has also been used as a fortification (a strong building for defense) or even a lighthouse. A lighthouse helps guide ships at sea.
What the Tower Looks Like
The tower is about 14 meters (46 feet) tall. It has a round tower built on top of a square base. You can find the tower on the southern side of the city. This is where the city's land walls connect with the sea walls.
The main entrance to the tower is on its eastern side. This door leads into a small room. From there, a narrow staircase goes up inside the tower. You can still see signs that parts of the tower were repaired and rebuilt. This work was done during the time of the Seljuks and the Ottoman Empire.
The Meaning of "Hıdırlık"
The name Hıdırlık comes from the word "Khidr." In some Muslim cultures, Khidr is a special figure. The name "Hıdırlık" means a place where the Hıdırellez festival happens.
The Hıdırellez Festival
Hıdırellez is a spring festival. It celebrates the coming of spring. People believe that Khidr and another prophet, Elijah, meet once a year during this time. Many places called Hıdırlıks are chosen for these special Hıdırellez celebrations. There are many such places across Turkey.
A Brief Occupation
From 1919 to 1922, the city of Antalya and its fortifications, including the Hıdırlık Tower, were occupied by Italy. This happened after the end of the Ottoman Empire. Some Turkish and Arab groups started fighting against the Italian forces. Eventually, the Italians left, and the city was given to the forces led by Mustafa Kemal, who later became the founder of modern Turkey.
See also
In Spanish: Torre Hıdırlık para niños
