Ulu Beden Bastion - Image 1
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Ulu Beden Bastion

4.1
·13 reviews·, Türkiye

An ancient Artuqid bastion featuring symbolic reliefs and a legendary tale of master and apprentice.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for viewing details

CrowdLow
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Ulu Beden Bastion - Image 1

Ulu Beden Bastion

Best Time

Daytime

Best for viewing details

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient Artuqid bastion featuring symbolic reliefs and a legendary tale of master and apprentice.

4.1
(13 reviews)

"Discover the Artuqid legacy and the tragic tale of Ben-u Sen at this historic bastion."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Use Correct Map Search

Search for 'Ben-u Sen Sign' not 'Great Body Sign' to find the correct location.

🚶 Follow City Walls

The bastion is along the city walls in the Martyrs' neighborhood. Look for signs sequentially.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ulu Beden Bastion Tower

The Ulu Beden Bastion Tower

Southwest of the city walls

A cylindrical tower adorned with a double-headed eagle, winged lion, sphinx reliefs, and intricate muqarnas ornamentation.

The Ben-u Sen Legend

The Ben-u Sen Legend

Ulu Beden Bastion and Seven Brothers Tower

The tale of a master and apprentice's rivalry and friendship, immortalized in the 'I and you' legend of the towers.

Artuqid Era Inscription

Artuqid Era Inscription

Encircling the tower

An inscription detailing the tower's construction in 1208 for Artuqid ruler Melik Salih, based on Melik Salih's plan.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating to Ulu Beden Bastion

Finding Ulu Beden Bastion can be tricky. Search for 'Ben-u Sen Sign' on maps, as the 'Great Body Sign' is incorrect. The area is in the Martyrs' neighborhood, along the city walls. Look for the Nur Sign first, then proceed to the Ulu Body and Seven Brothers Signs. Reddit

Respecting Historical Integrity

This ancient site has unfortunately been defaced with graffiti. Visitors are urged to show respect for the historical artifact and refrain from vandalism. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for viewing details
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Use Correct Map Search

Search for 'Ben-u Sen Sign' not 'Great Body Sign' to find the correct location. Reddit

🚶 Follow City Walls

The bastion is along the city walls in the Martyrs' neighborhood. Look for signs sequentially. Reddit

🏛️ Admire the Reliefs

Marvel at the double-headed eagle, winged lion, and sphinx reliefs on the tower's exterior. Reddit

📜 Read the Inscription

The inscription belt details the tower's history and builders. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Use Correct Map Search

Search for 'Ben-u Sen Sign' not 'Great Body Sign' to find the correct location. Reddit

🚶 Follow City Walls

The bastion is along the city walls in the Martyrs' neighborhood. Look for signs sequentially. Reddit

🏛️ Admire the Reliefs

Marvel at the double-headed eagle, winged lion, and sphinx reliefs on the tower's exterior. Reddit

📜 Read the Inscription

The inscription belt details the tower's history and builders. Reddit

🚫 Respect the Site

Please do not deface this historical artifact with graffiti. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ulu Beden Bastion is appreciated for its historical significance and unique architectural features, particularly its detailed reliefs and the enduring Ben-u Sen legend. However, visitors note issues with incorrect map listings and unfortunately, instances of vandalism, which detract from the site's historical integrity.

"The place listed as the Great Body Sign on the maps is incorrect. Search for the Ben-u Sen Sign. That will take you to the correct location. Also, the place labeled Nur Sign is incorrect. It's the sign before the Ulu Body and Seven Brothers Signs. Go to the Martyrs' neighborhood. Follow the road along the city walls and the first Nur Sign (a structure from the Melikshah era) will appear. Then the other signs."

fırat kara

"The tower is located southwest of the city walls. Also known as the Married Body Tower, it is stated in its inscription that it was built by the architect Caferoğlu İbrahim in 1208, in the name of the Artuqid ruler Melik Salih, based on a plan drawn by Melik Salih. The tower, which closely resembles the Yedi Kardeş Tower in terms of its plan and decoration, has a cylindrical plan. It possesses an imposing appearance with its double-headed eagle, a symbol of sovereignty, a winged lion symbolizing extraordinary power, sphinx reliefs, an inscription that encircles the tower like a belt, and muqarnas ornamentation. Below the thickening of the inscription belt in the middle, two high, symmetrical lion reliefs, facing each other, are visible. These are also enclosed within a rectangular frame with moldings. The headpieces are curved, the hips are swollen, and no details are visible. The tower has a legend that has endured for many years. According to the legend, a master and his apprentice made a bet on who could build the most beautiful tower. They begin building the Seven Brothers' Tower and the Ulu Body Tower. The master who built the Seven Brothers' Tower and the apprentice who completed the Ulu Body Tower, in the presence of the public, ask each other, "Me or you?" However, the master acknowledges the apprentice's superiority and throws himself off the ramparts. Unable to bear the sting, the apprentice jumps after him. The scene of the master and apprentice's rivalry and friendship, the story of Ben u Sen, has been known ever since as "I and you.""

DTR

"We need to gather those spray-painted idiots and pull them by the ears to explain history. But someone with no knowledge of history would go and write such indecent things on a historical artifact. Get some manners! You rude people!"

Mücahid Çumak

What People Like

Intricate reliefs
Historical inscription
Ben-u Sen legend

What People Dislike

Incorrect map data
Graffiti vandalism

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To find Ulu Beden Bastion, use 'Ben-u Sen Sign' as your search term on maps, as 'Great Body Sign' is incorrect. The bastion is located in the Martyrs' neighborhood, along the city walls. Follow the road and look for the Nur Sign first, then proceed to the Ulu Body and Seven Brothers Signs. Reddit

Access is generally straightforward once you locate the correct sign. It's situated along the city walls, making it part of a historical route. Reddit

Local transport options to the Martyrs' neighborhood would be advisable. Check for local bus routes or consider a taxi if unfamiliar with the area. Reddit

Information on specific parking facilities is limited, but given its location along city walls, street parking or designated lots in the Martyrs' neighborhood are possibilities. Reddit

Depending on the city center's proximity to the Martyrs' neighborhood and the city walls, walking might be an option for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of ticket requirements for Ulu Beden Bastion, suggesting it may be freely accessible as part of the historical city walls. Reddit

As it's part of the city walls, it's likely accessible during daylight hours. Specific official opening times are not widely published. Reddit

Based on available information, there is no admission fee mentioned for Ulu Beden Bastion. Reddit

It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to best appreciate the architectural details and reliefs. Reddit

Official guided tours are not explicitly mentioned, but local guides might be available in the area. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the imposing cylindrical tower itself, its detailed reliefs (double-headed eagle, winged lion, sphinx), the Artuqid inscription, and the surrounding historical city walls. Reddit

The reliefs, such as the double-headed eagle (symbol of sovereignty), winged lion (symbol of power), and sphinxes, are significant artistic and symbolic elements of the Artuqid era. Reddit

The Ben-u Sen legend tells of a master and apprentice who competed to build the most beautiful tower (Ulu Beden and Seven Brothers). The apprentice's tower was deemed superior, leading to a tragic end for both. Reddit

Yes, the unique architecture, reliefs, and historical setting make Ulu Beden Bastion a great spot for photography, especially during daylight. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be exploring the area around the city walls. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the full cylindrical form of the tower from a distance, and get closer to photograph the intricate details of the reliefs and the inscription belt. Reddit

Daylight hours are ideal for capturing the details of the reliefs and inscriptions. Golden hour might offer dramatic lighting on the ancient stones. Reddit

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site. Reddit

Drone usage regulations vary by location. It's best to check local aviation authorities for any restrictions in this area. Reddit

Use a moderate aperture for good depth of field, and consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance stone textures. Reddit

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