Monument to the Virgin Mary

This monument, located in the Maltepe district of Istanbul province, Turkey, is one of the main attractions of the area. It was erected in the sea in 1953, just 50 meters from Soraya beach, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The monument features a dome with a diameter of 3.5 meters, supported by six columns, with a statue of Venus in the center. Unfortunately, the statue inside the monument was stolen during the construction of the coastal road in the 1990s. In the early 2010s, due to land reclamation, the monument ended up on land, adding to its historical value. Interestingly, an image of this monument can be seen on the logo of the Maltepe municipality, highlighting its significance to the district. Furthermore, the architecture of the Türkan Saylan Cultural Center is inspired by this monument, demonstrating its influence on local culture and art.