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Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse

Fl (2) Green 12s🇹🇷Istanbul, TROperational

Location & Light Range

About Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse

Also known as: Defterdar Burnu (?)

The Defterdar Burnu lighthouse stands on the west side of the Bosporus in Istanbul's Ortaköy neighborhood, a short distance north of the Boğaziçi bridge. The structure is a 12-meter tall, cylindrical fiberglass tower with a gallery, painted white with two narrow green horizontal bands. It emits a green light with one flash every 12 seconds, visible for 11.9 nautical miles. This lighthouse was located near Besiktas, the nearest port, which is 0.8 km away. Recent observations, including a 2024 photograph, indicate the light has been removed, although the site remains open to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was important for guiding ships navigating the busy Bosporus, particularly in the vicinity of the Ortaköy neighborhood and the Boğaziçi bridge.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Green 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl G 12s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Apparently removed, confirmed missing in 2024 photos and satellite view

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with two narrow green horizontal bands
Material
fiberglass

Structure: round hourglass-shaped fiberglass tower with gallery

Location

City
Istanbul
Country
🇹🇷Turkey
Region
Istanbul
Sea Region
West side of the Bosporus, in the Ortaköy neighborhood, a short distance north of the Boğaziçi bridge.
Latitude
41.0498°
Longitude
29.0333°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Besiktas(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
N4937.4
NGA No.
17396
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse at night?+
Defterdar Burnu displays the characteristic Fl (2) Green 12s — 2 green flashes every 12 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Beylerbeyi at 0.8 NM to the E. Other ports served include Besiktas (0.8 NM W), Kabatas (1.8 NM WSW), Üsküdar (2.1 NM SSE), Karaköy/Istambul (2.5 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse?+
Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Defterdar Burnu Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.