Hıdırlık Tower



Hıdırlık Tower (Hıdırlık Kulesi) is a landmark tower of tawny stone in Antalya, Turkey, where Kaleiçi meets Karaalioglu Park. It is believed that the ruling Roman Empire built it in the second century CE on a square plan. In the same century, it was turned into circular tower.

It has since been used as a fortification or a lighthouse.

The tower is situated at the southern side of the place, where the land walls of the city join the sea walls. The 14 m structure consists of a circular tower rising on a quadratic pedestal. The tower's gate at the eastern side leads to a small room, from where a narrow staircase goes up. There are signs of restoration work on the upper part done in the Seljuk and Ottoman eras.

Its current name, Hıdırlık (literally "a place of Khidr") means a place where Hıdırellez festival takes place. Hıdırellez is a spring festival. In some Muslim cultures, it is believed that Khidr and Elijah meet once each year. During this time, a spring festival, Hıdırellez takes place. Hıdırlıks are particularly chosen for Hıdırellez ceremonies. There are many Hıdırlıks in Turkey.