Ulu Beden Bastion
An ancient Artuqid bastion featuring symbolic reliefs and a legendary tale of master and apprentice.
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Ulu Beden Bastion
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Best for viewing details
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Artuqid bastion featuring symbolic reliefs and a legendary tale of master and apprentice.
"Discover the Artuqid legacy and the tragic tale of Ben-u Sen at this historic bastion."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Encircling the tower
An inscription detailing the tower's construction in 1208 for Artuqid ruler Melik Salih, based on Melik Salih's plan.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Ulu Beden Bastion
Respecting Historical Integrity
Best Times
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.
🚶 Follow City Walls
The bastion is along the city walls in the Martyrs' neighborhood. Look for signs sequentially.
🏛️ Admire the Reliefs
Marvel at the double-headed eagle, winged lion, and sphinx reliefs on the tower's exterior.
📜 Read the Inscription
The inscription belt details the tower's history and builders.
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.
🚶 Follow City Walls
The bastion is along the city walls in the Martyrs' neighborhood. Look for signs sequentially.
🏛️ Admire the Reliefs
Marvel at the double-headed eagle, winged lion, and sphinx reliefs on the tower's exterior.
📜 Read the Inscription
The inscription belt details the tower's history and builders.
🚫 Respect the Site
Please do not deface this historical artifact with graffiti.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Access is generally straightforward once you locate the correct sign. It's situated along the city walls, making it part of a historical route.
Local transport options to the Martyrs' neighborhood would be advisable. Check for local bus routes or consider a taxi if unfamiliar with the area.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
As it's part of the city walls, it's likely accessible during daylight hours. Specific official opening times are not widely published.
Based on available information, there is no admission fee mentioned for Ulu Beden Bastion.
It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to best appreciate the architectural details and reliefs.
Official guided tours are not explicitly mentioned, but local guides might be available in the area.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the unique architecture, reliefs, and historical setting make Ulu Beden Bastion a great spot for photography, especially during daylight.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be exploring the area around the city walls.
📸 📸 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.
Daylight hours are ideal for capturing the details of the reliefs and inscriptions. Golden hour might offer dramatic lighting on the ancient stones.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site.
Drone usage regulations vary by location. It's best to check local aviation authorities for any restrictions in this area.
Use a moderate aperture for good depth of field, and consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance stone textures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Ensure children wear comfortable shoes for walking along the city walls. Keep a close eye on them, especially near any edges. The historical context might be best explained through storytelling, focusing on the Ben-u Sen legend to make the visit more engaging.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Compare its design and decoration to the nearby Yedi Kardeş Tower to understand regional architectural trends. The Ben-u Sen legend also adds a cultural dimension, illustrating how historical sites become intertwined with local folklore and oral traditions. Visiting this bastion provides a tangible connection to the Artuqid period and its artistic achievements.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artuqid Legacy and Ulu Beden Bastion
The architectural style of Ulu Beden Bastion is characterized by its cylindrical plan and rich decorative elements. It closely resembles the nearby Yedi Kardeş Tower, suggesting a shared design philosophy or master architect. The tower's imposing appearance is enhanced by its symbolic reliefs, including the double-headed eagle, a potent symbol of sovereignty and power often adopted by ruling dynasties, and a winged lion, representing extraordinary strength. The presence of sphinx reliefs further adds to its mystique and grandeur. The intricate muqarnas ornamentation and the inscription belt demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and artistic sophistication.
The legend of Ben-u Sen, intertwined with the Ulu Beden Bastion and the Seven Brothers Tower, adds a layer of cultural significance to the site. This story of rivalry and friendship between a master and his apprentice, culminating in a tragic competition, has endured for generations. It speaks to the local folklore and the way historical monuments become embedded in the community's narrative, transforming them from mere stone structures into living stories.
Understanding the Ben-u Sen Legend
Upon completion, the two towers stood as testaments to their creators' skills. In a dramatic public display, the master and apprentice posed the question to the onlookers, "Me or you?" – essentially asking who had built the superior tower. The master, recognizing the exceptional talent and beauty of his apprentice's work, humbly acknowledged the apprentice's superiority. Overwhelmed by this admission and perhaps the intensity of their rivalry, the master tragically threw himself from the ramparts. Unable to bear the loss and the sting of the situation, the apprentice followed suit, jumping to his death. This intertwined fate of rivalry and friendship has since cemented the story of Ben-u Sen, meaning "I and you," in local lore.
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