Located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, at its narrowest point (approximately 700 metres wide), the magnificent Rumeli Fortress faces the Anatolian Fortress on the opposite shore.
With its massive stone walls that have stood the test of time and three large towers, this medieval castle catches the eye at first glance and impresses those passing through the Bosphorus with its grandeur. Rumeli Fortress, one of the most important structures in the Istanbul skyline due to its historical texture and strategic location, can be visited as a museum today and is among the top places to visit in Istanbul for both its history and views.
History of the Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress was built in 1452 by the Ottoman sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet in preparation for the conquest of Istanbul, on the narrowest part of the Bosphorus near the Black Sea. Its purpose was to cut off enemy reinforcements coming through the Bosphorus, which is why it was also known as Boğazkesen (Bosphorus Cutter) among the people. The construction of the fortress began at the end of March 1452 and was completed in a record time of only about ninety days. The division of labour played a significant role in its completion in such a short time: Fatih Sultan Mehmet assigned the construction of the three large towers on the sea coast to three of his pashas, while he personally organised the construction of the walls and other parts. Indeed, these three main towers on the coast are known as the Saruca Pasha, Zağanos Pasha and Halil Pasha towers, named after the commanders who oversaw their construction. It is estimated that more than 300 master craftsmen, around 800 workers and around 200 transport workers were involved in the construction. The timber used was sourced from İzmit and Karadeniz Ereğli, while the stone and lime were obtained from various regions of Anatolia and the ruins of nearby Byzantine structures. The fortress's role in controlling the Bosphorus traffic was immediately felt after the conquest; ships passing through the Bosphorus without permission were sunk by the castle's cannons, completely blocking any potential naval assistance to Istanbul.
Rumeli Fortress, which played an important role in the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, was used as a military garrison for many years after the conquest. During this period, the Saruca Paşa Tower served as a prison for a time. Although the 1509 Great Istanbul Earthquake severely damaged the fortress, it was repaired shortly thereafter. A major fire in 1746 destroyed the wooden structures inside, but this damage was also repaired during the reign of Sultan Selim III (1789-1807). From the end of the 18th century onwards, the fortress lost its strategic importance in the defence of the Bosphorus and fell into disrepair, eventually becoming a place of civilian settlement (according to records from 1877, there were 46 houses inside and around the fortress).
During the Republican era, Rumeli Fortress regained its value and underwent extensive restoration work in the 1950s. During the restoration that began in 1953, the ruined parts of the castle were repaired, and the shanties inside the walls were cleared. Additionally, the remains of the old Boğazkesen Mosque (a small conquest mosque built by Fatih) in the courtyard were utilised to construct an open-air theatre. Since the 1960s, the fortress has served as a museum and also hosts theatre and concert events during the summer months. In particular, the Rumeli Fortress Concerts, which began in the late 1980s, transformed the fortress into one of Istanbul's most popular summer entertainment venues. However, due to concerns about damaging the historic structure, the concerts were suspended in the mid-2000s and held for the last time in 2008. Today, the fortress serves as the Rumeli Fortress Museum and is open to visitors. The garden features cannons and cannonballs used during the conquest, as well as a section of the famous chain said to have closed the Golden Horn.
Discover the Rumeli Fortress by Yacht
Seeing Rumeli Fortress, located on the shores of the Bosphorus, from land is certainly impressive. However, the best way to fully appreciate the grandeur and strategic location of this massive structure is to view it from the sea. A yacht charter trip on the Bosphorus transforms the experience of exploring this historic fortress from an ordinary sightseeing tour into an unforgettable memory. The towers rising above the water and the walls leaning against steep slopes offer a much more impressive perspective when viewed from the deck of a yacht. The visual balance it creates with the opposing fortress on the Anatolian side can only be fully appreciated from the sea.
If you want to discover this unique fortress from the sea, you can renting a yacht and see its walls and towers up close. You will be able to see details that are impossible to see from the shore, and feel the traces of history on the stone walls accompanied by the sea breeze. As you glide along the Bosphorus, you will discover a different side of this fortress, which bears witness to Istanbul's history at every metre. As your yacht passes in front of the fortress, imagining the preparations made centuries ago for the conquest of Istanbul is like embarking on a journey through history.
Rent a yacht and set sail on the waters of the Bosphorus to experience the unique views of Rumeli Fortress in the most special way. Whether it's a pleasant trip with your family and friends or a special celebration, rent a yacht and greet this magnificent castle from the sea. As you approach the fortress, you will feel the spirit of the moments when Istanbul was ready to be conquered and witness history in the heart of the Bosphorus. Remember, seeing Rumeli Fortress from the sea on a yacht tour is a unique experience that will add a whole new dimension to your Istanbul trip.