Hıdırlık Tower
Hıdırlık Tower 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 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 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.
