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Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇹🇷Arnavutköy, TROperational

Location & Light Range

About Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse

This lighthouse stands on the Karaburun promontory, a sharp outcrop approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Istanbul. The station was first established in 1856, with the current octagonal cylindrical concrete tower built in 1968. This 9-meter structure features eight ribs, a lantern, and a gallery. Its focal height is 54 meters, and it emits a single white flash every five seconds. The site is open to the public, but the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the Karaburun promontory, guiding vessels navigating the approaches to Istanbul and the Bosphorus strait.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
54m
Geographic Range
19.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1968
First Lit
1856

Significant events: Current tower built 1968, original lighthouse possibly replaced

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with 8 ribs, lantern, and gallery

Location

City
Arnavutköy
Country
🇹🇷Turkey
Region
Istanbul
Sea Region
Located on a short, sharp promontory at Karaburun, about 40 km northwest of İstanbul.
Latitude
41.3477°
Longitude
28.6835°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Buyukcekmece(21.0 km)
Admiralty No.
N4964
NGA No.
17520
ARLHS No.
TUR-036
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse at night?+
Rumeli Karaburun displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is KARABURUN at 0.3 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Mimarsinan (20.8 NM SSW), Firuzköy (20.9 NM S), Cubuklu (21.6 NM SE), BUYUKCEKMECE (21.7 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Rumeli Karaburun 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 Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse?+
Rumeli Karaburun 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 Rumeli Karaburun Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Rumeli Karaburun 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.