Maiden’s Tower has had almost 2500 years history. It is one of the symbols of Istanbul. This is the oldest drawing of it. ( 341 B.C )

Although Maiden’s Tower ‘s history has started from Ancient times. ( From Greek and then Byzantine Empire to Ottoman Empire ) ; it has been protected in whole history. ( 1982 )

In 1894 Hoca Ali Rıza ( 1858 – 1930) Hoca Ali rıza was born in Üsküdar, İstanbul in He attended Kuleli Military High School and then Military Academy. There he studied under Osman Nuri Pasha, Süleyman Seyyid and Monsieur Gués, and graduated in From 1909 to 1912 he served as President of the Society of Ottoman Until 1929 he worked as a teacher in many schools. He died in Üsküdar in He was known with his ability in charcoal and watercolour techniquies.He painted a lot of İstanbul landscape with its seasideand neigbourhood.

THE TODAY PHOTO ( 2013)

As you see between two views we see differences such as vehicles and landscape. We want to talk about a big paradox with them. Maiden’s Tower has been protected and restored until today. This is the good side because history and historical sights should live forever. The paradox is between Maiden’s Tower and Istanbul silhouette behind it. Behind this beauty we see a disappearing Istanbul silhouette and a destroying landscape. People has built high buildings, shopping centers and also skyscrapers. They kill nature day by day in order to own their cairns. We support to protect history but on the other hand we can’t let harming the nature. In Turkey, this situation has been discussing recently. People have reacted and protested this situation. And still it goes on but until when?

In 1965

THE TODAY PHOTO OCTOBER 2013

When we compare these snaps, we see a big difference. Once upon a time, the inhabitants of Side were living in small, stone houses with small gardens and were walking on unpaved roads in a peaceful and natural atmosphere. There were also small pansions for tourists who are wondering this natural place. However today this street in Side is full of restored shops. There is a little destruction in natural landscape and green places have decreased but these houses have come today with great restorations and protections. In the past, these houses where there was a smell of hot coffee from their windows and sincere talks have lived in ; today are shopping places which embrace the all world nations and say a friendly ‘’ welcome’’. The guests are seen off with small gifts in their pockets and good memories in their minds…