Anadolu Fortress is a historical castle located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, in the Beykoz district. It was built in 1395 by the Ottoman Sultan Yildirim Bayezid. The purpose of the fortress was to maintain control of the Bosphorus and to defend against attacks from the Black Sea.
History of Anatolian Fortress
The Anatolian Fortress was built as part of the Ottoman Empire's strategy to gain control of the Bosphorus before conquering Istanbul. The castle is at the narrowest point of the strait, right next to the Göksu Stream. At the time of its construction, it had a strategic location opposite the Rumeli Fortress, which was under the control of the Byzantine Empire. The Anatolian Fortress was used as an important military base until the conquest of Istanbul. After the conquest of Constantinople, its strategic importance declined and it was used more for local security and surveillance purposes. Over time, residential areas developed around the Anadolu Fortress and the castle became a historical symbol of the Beykoz district. Today, Anadolu Fortress is open to visitors as a historical and touristic place. The castle is located in a spot that offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus Strait and is a major attraction for visitors. There are many cafes, restaurants, and relaxation areas around Anadolu Hisari, making the area a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.
Anatolian Fortress Architecture
Anadolu Fortress was built on a rectangular plan and supported by four corner bastions. There is an inner castle (inner fortress) in the inner part of the castle and this part served as the main line of defense. The inner castle is surrounded by the outer castle walls and reinforced with bastions. Anadolu Fortress is considered a beautiful example of military architecture at the time it was built.
How to get to Anadolu Fortress
There are a few different transportation options to get to Anadolu Hisari:
Metro
You can go to Üsküdar station by using the M5 Metro Line (Üsküdar - Çekmeköy). From Üsküdar, you can reach Anadolu Hisarı stop by bus number 15 or 15T.
Bus
You can use buses numbered 15, 15T, 15K or 15P to reach Anadolu Hisarı directly from Üsküdar. You can take the 15F or 15BK buses from Kadıköy and get off at Anadolu Hisarı stop.
Private Car
If you are coming from the European side, use the FSM Bridge and proceed towards Beykoz from Kavacık after crossing to the Anatolian Side. You can reach Anadolu Fortress by following the coastal road. If you are on the Anatolian side, you can reach Anadolu Fortress by following the coastal road from Üsküdar or Kadıköy towards Beykoz. Along the way, you will be accompanied by a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.
Steamship
During the Bosphorus tours organized in Istanbul, you pass near the Anatolian Fortress. However, there is no direct pier. After arriving by sea as far as Beykoz or Üsküdar, you can reach it by a short bus or taxi ride.
Yacht Charter
Chartering a yacht to go to Anadolu Hisari is a great option to explore the beauties of the Bosphorus and have a pleasant journey. Bogaz Cocugu company provides hourly and daily yacht charter services for 12 months over
yatkiralama.net/en for those who want to go to Anadolu Fortress. You can rent a yacht to spend a nice day with your family or friends for no reason, or you can organize your special days in the best quality on charter yachts. Don't forget to take lots of photos while passing in front of Anadolu Fortress during yacht charter.
Address: Göksu Dist. Anadolu Hisari St. 34810 Beykoz, İstanbul, Türkiye.