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Istanbul’s historic tower collapses as city walls damaged
Istanbul’s historic tower collapses as city walls damaged
A historic tower in Istanbul has collapsed as ancient city walls struggle to stand up to the test of time. Click through for the story in photos...
The historic tower near 10. Yıl Avenue in the Fatih district collapsed on the weekend due to an unknown reason, according to Demirören News Agency.
The agency added that deep cracks could be seen in the adjacent sections of the ancient walls.
Initially built by Constantine the Great in the fifth century A.D., the ancient walls took their final form with adjustments conducted over time.
The old city is surrounded by a total of 22 kilometer-long walls in three main sections, namely, the “land walls” on the west, the “Golden Horn” walls on the north and the “Marmara walls” in the south and east.
There are more than 90 towers in each of these three sections and the tower that collapsed on the weekend had stood in the western section.
The elaborate system of double walls and tunnels saved Constantinople—as the city was known then—and the Byzantine Empire from sieges.
Many portions of the ancient walls still stand while other sections have crumbled or changed form in modern restoration projects.
The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry had announced earlier this year that it would restore part of the historic walls surrounding Topkapı Palace with a budget of 25 million Turkish Liras ($5.1 million).
Listed as one of the longest historical monuments in the world, the ancient city walls encircle the old city perimeters and attract attention from both local and foreign tourists.
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