Anatolian Fortress (The Most Comprehensive Guide in 2024)
Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisari) is a castle built by the Byzantines during the siege of Istanbul and located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus. The other court, also known as Rumeli Fortress, is situated on the Black Sea side of the Bosphorus.
The Byzantines built Anadolu Fortress to resist the siege of Istanbul. However, it was destroyed by the soldiers of Mehmed II and contributed to the conquest of Istanbul.
Today, you can go near Anadolu Fortress, watch the beautiful view of Istanbul and feel the historical atmosphere of the castle.
Anatolian Fortress History
The construction of the Anadolu Fortress began thanks to the Yildirim Bayezid, who planned to capture Istanbul (at that time Constantinople), occupied by the Byzantines. The defense not only maintained tight control over the passage to the Bosphorus but also contributed to the slow settlement of the Ottoman people on the Anatolian shores.

Later rulers of the empire, such as Mehmed II, continually expanded the castle, adding additional structures. Thanks to the increasing interest of the sultans and their followers, Anadolu Fortress has been preserved almost in its original form.
You should note that the castle played an essential role in the conquest of Istanbul. In modern history, it was important for the river to flow into the strait, not far from the castle walls. The fact is that the banks of this river are lovely for vacationers. The large number of people who came to the river for recreational purposes caused the water to become polluted rapidly.
Anatolian Fortress: Best Activities
Enjoy watching the castle’s design, which carries its unique Ottoman heritage from the outside. Wander around the castle and see the rectangular building, while the castle building is surrounded by another structure that faces inward.
You can also get to know a part of the Istanbul civilization by seeing the stones on which the city’s castles were built during the Ottoman period and the architecture that made the Turks different at that time.

Enjoy standing face to face with Anadolu Castle and watching the Bosphorus, as it was built to spy on any foreign invasion from the Bosphorus.
In the evenings, especially in the snowy winter, you can enjoy seeing the Anatolian Castle, which looks like a pearl in white, illuminated by many illuminated lights in a breathtaking view.
You can take the most beautiful commemorative photos near the Anatolian Fortress that dazzle your friends and relatives. You can also take the most beautiful pictures of the Bosphorus and the symbols surrounding the castle.
Is there an entrance to Anadolu Fortress?
Anatolian Fortress is closed to visitors. However, the authorities can open it with special permission.
How to go to Anatolian Fortress?
Anatolian Fortress locates in the Beykoz district of Istanbul. Like many touristic places in Istanbul, Anatolian Fortress can reach by bus, minibus, ferry, or taxi. The easiest way to go to Anatolian Castle is by ferry. You can get to Anadolu Castle by ferrying to the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus from many ferry ports in Istanbul. You can also go to this castle by bus or minibus. You can reach this castle by taking the lines to the Beykoz district from many bus and minibus lines in Istanbul.