Rising from the waters of the Bosphorus Strait, Anatolian Fortress captivates visitors at first glance with its historic silhouette.
Located on the edge of the Anatolian side, this small but magnificent castle stands like two sentinels at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, opposite Rumeli Hisarı. Its centuries-old stone walls and towers blend with the blue of the Bosphorus and the surrounding greenery to create a picture-postcard view. Thanks to its magnificent appearance, Anatolian Fortress, also known as Güzelce Fortress (Güzelce Castle) in history, reflects both the history and natural beauty of Istanbul.
History
Anatolian Fortress was built in 1395 by Ottoman Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid to control the Bosphorus Strait. This strategic fortress played a crucial role in the Ottoman plans to conquer Istanbul by cutting off potential reinforcements from the Black Sea to Byzantium. Approximately half a century later, during the construction of Rumeli Hisarı on the European side, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror reinforced Anatolian Fortress with outer walls to strengthen its defences. After the conquest of Istanbul and the establishment of Ottoman rule, the fortress lost much of its military significance. In later years, it was even used as a prison (kalebend) for Janissaries. By the Republican era, the area around Anatolian Fortress had become densely populated, and the fortress gradually fell into disrepair. Closed to visitors since the 1990s, the fortress reopened as a museum in 2023 following extensive restoration work. Today, Anatolian Fortress, part of the Istanbul Fortresses Museum, has been revived with its historical identity.
Explore by Yacht
For those who want to see the unique beauty of the Bosphorus up close, yacht rental has become a popular option among both local and foreign tourists in recent years. Especially in the summer months, taking a yacht tour on the Bosphorus offers the opportunity to experience the historical and natural silhouette of the city from the sea. During these special tours, you can comfortably view the waterfront mansions, bridges, and of course historical structures like Anatolian Fortress, while enjoying the Bosphorus away from the city's hustle and bustle.
When you set sail on the Bosphorus in a yacht, you will experience the privilege of discovering Anatolian Fortress from the sea. Seeing the sea-facing side of the castle up close allows you to notice angles that are not visible from land. As your yacht glides slowly past the castle, you may feel surrounded by centuries-old walls. Additionally, from the sea, you can clearly see the Rumeli Hisar and Anadolu Hisar facing each other across the strait, offering you the chance to photograph these two historical guardians at the same time.
If you want to add an unforgettable experience to your Bosphorus tour, add Anatolian Fortress to your route and rent a yacht. Watching the silhouette of the fortress at sunset during your private yacht trip will give you the feeling of travelling back in time. Accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, you can enjoy the beauty of both the Asian and European sides and create memorable moments. Plan your yacht tour at your own pace and according to your preferences, and discover Anatolian Fortress and the other gems of the Bosphorus from the sea, making your visit to Istanbul truly unforgettable.