When we say Paris, the first thing that comes to mind of almost everyone is the Eiffel Tower. Exactly 132 years ago the tower was inaugurated today (March 31). What was in the mind of Gustave Eiffel, the maker of this gigantic masterpiece, 324 meters long? I guess he never thought that the Eiffel Tower, which he thought would be dismantled in twenty years, will survive until today and attract close to 250 million tourists.
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| Eiffel Tower |
Planned as the Entrance Gate of the Paris Fair
In 1887, a tender was launched for a monument to be built for the World Fair. Among the hundreds of participants, Gustave Eiffel's 'iron tower' was chosen. Although its designer was Eiffel, the architect of the project was Stephen Sauvestre. After the tower was built, it became the shining symbol of the industrial revolution.
Construction of the tower began on January 26, 1887. It was completed in 26 months as a result of the persistent work of 3000 workers. During its construction, exactly 18,036 pieces of iron were combined with 2.5 million rivets. Gustav Eiffel's project was almost 5 times the budget given to him. Eiffel completed the incomplete budget of the tower, which will decorate his dreams. When the Eiffel Tower was completed, it cost 8 million francs. It was a large amount compared to the economy of that period.
The tower, where people watched with admiration and took many photos today, was not welcomed by the local people in those years. There were many people thinking that this huge chunk of iron would hit the beauty of Paris. Artists also accompanied this idea.
"We, as writers, painters, sculptors, architects, and passionate people dedicated to the hitherto untouched beauty of Paris, oppose this impractical and terrifying Eiffel Tower with all our might."
Most people are not open to innovation, thanks to the innovations made by people who follow their dreams, we have reached these points today. Like Gustave Eiffel. When the day came (March 31, 1889) the local people began to abandon their bad thoughts. Nearly two million people came to see the Eiffel Tower at the opening of the World Fair. 75% of the tower's costs had already been deducted.
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| Gustave Eiffel |