Beyazit Tower is located in the garden of Istanbul University and was used as a watch tower lor sighting the outbreak of fires.
Built of wood in 1749, it was damaged, paradoxically, by fire and then torn down. It was rebuilt in 1878 by the edict of Sultan Mahmud II. The architect was Senekerim Balyan.
The 85 meter tower has a roof made of stone and a wooden staircase. It is still used as a watchtower today as well as for gathering meteorological data.

The building among the meadows behind the courtyard of Bayezid Mosque and high wails is the Ministry of Military affairs constructed by the French architect, Auguste Bourgeios between 1866-1870. Before this date the Old Palace occupied this place. Old Palace was the place the Ottoman dynasty lived in. And before the Old Palace, there were basilicas built in 5th and 61'1 centuries at the same place. After the Ministries were moved to Ankara, this building was transferred to University of Istanbul.
The tall tower (85 m.) in front of the rectory building is Bayezid Tower and was constructed in 1828 as a fire observation tower with the order of Sultan Mahmut II. The tower was constructed of white Marmara marble and its architect was Senekerim Kahya of Balyans who constructed many palaces. It has 180 stairs and 4 floors. The names of these floors are 'turn, sign, basket and flag'. The neon lamps on lop of the tower inform people about the weather and give meteorological information.