The Anatolian Fortress, also known as the Anatolian Castle, or Anadolu Hisarı in Turkish, is located in Istanbul, Turkey on the Asian side of the Bosporus. It was built between 1393 and 1394 by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I, also known as “The Thunderbolt,” to safely pass his army from Anatolia to Europe. The fortress was established to support the conquest of Istanbul by preventing support from the Black Sea, particularly the city of Trebizond, and to control traffic and prevent attacks from Venice and Genoa. This was necessary as other powerful states sought to gain control of this area for economic and political power.
Situated on an area of 7,000 m², the Anadolu fortress is located at the narrowest point of the Bosporus strait, measuring 660 m in width. A creek named Göksu River winds its way to a picturesque passageway which leads down to the river and a captivating garden in front of the fortress. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second bridge to span the Bosporus, can be found to the north of the fortress. Additionally, it features a namazgah, a type of praying place for Muslims.
The Anatolian Fortress was originally constructed as a watch fort, featuring a square central tower located in the walls of a randomly shaped pentagon, with five watchtowers at the edges and standing 25 metres high. It is considered one of the oldest Turkish-style buildings in Istanbul and was referred to as the “Güzelce Fortress” in historical documents. Sultan Mehmed II attempted to reinforce the fortress with a two-metre thick wall, which included three watchtowers. Over time, the Anatolian Fortress sustained damage, however, it was restored by the Turkish Ministry of Culture from 1991 to 1993. Today, this small fort creates a picturesque sight with the ancient wooden houses along its walls and its surrounding area.
The Sea of Marmara has a magnificent landscape. When travelling along the Bosporus towards the Black Sea, the Rumeli Fortress can be seen on the right-hand side, with the Anadolu Hisari just in front. Beyond the Anadolu Fortress lies the Kanlica district, well-known for its yogurt and seaside cafes. Once upon a time, after the conquest of Istanbul (Constantinople), the structure served as a military prison. Today, however, it has been transformed into an open-air museum. Unfortunately, climbing the Fortress is currently not permitted.
At Tour Maker Turkey, we offer personalised guided tours of the Anatolian Fortress. Our experienced tour guides will provide you with a detailed tour of the fortress and its history, as well as the opportunity to take breathtaking pictures of this scenic location. We also offer guidance through the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara, providing you with the chance to explore the Rumeli Fortress and Kanlica district. With our tours, you can experience the past and the present of the Anatolian Fortress, as well as its magnificent surrounding areas.
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience that will give you an insight into the historical and cultural heritage of Istanbul, Tour Maker Turkey is the perfect place to visit. With our personalised guided tours, you will be able to explore the Anadolu Hisari and its surrounding area in a way that you will never forget. So don’t wait any longer and book your tour now with Tour Maker Turkey!