Turkey’s Historic Coastal Fortresses That Have Stood for Centuries
Turkey is a country that has been home to dozens of civilisations for thousands of years, located at the crossroads of trade routes. This deep-rooted history is embodied in countless castles scattered across Anatolia, some built for protection, some for surveillance, and some as symbolic displays of power. Especially the castles along the coastline stand out for their strategic locations and breathtaking views.
Throughout history, these castles have served as lookouts for enemy ships, protected trade routes, and formed a defensive line against pirates. Today, however, they are no longer targets of war but of cameras… They enchant visitors with their centuries-old stone walls, turquoise sea views, and the legends they carry.
Here are Turkey’s most impressive 10 sea-facing castles 👇
1. Genovese Castle – Düzce (Akçakoca)
Located in Akçakoca, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Western Black Sea region, Genovese Castle stands on a peninsula where green and blue meet. For centuries, it has been an important stopover point, ensuring the safety of the Black Sea trade. It takes its name from the Genoese, who played an active role in the region between the 13th and 15th centuries. As one of the most important trade colonies in the Black Sea during the Middle Ages, the castle served as a lookout and defence point against potential attacks from the sea.
The castle bears the traces of typical Genoese military architecture with its high walls and sea-facing towers. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013 has confirmed its international value. The cliffs surrounding the castle combine with the waves of the Black Sea to form both a visual and natural defence line. Today, the Genoese Castle is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists, offering a historical atmosphere, walking paths, picnic areas, and panoramic views.
2. Ginolu Castle – Kastamonu (Cide)
Located on a hill overlooking Ginolu Bay in the Cide district of Kastamonu, this castle is part of the ancient settlement of Kinolis (Ginolu), which is known to have been inhabited since the 5th century BC. The region has attracted the attention of many civilisations throughout history due to its natural harbour and strategic location. It is known to have been used by the Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans at different times.
Although it is not known exactly when it was built, the stonework and layout of the castle indicate that it was built for military purposes. It served the purpose of controlling maritime trade and ensuring coastal security. The castle's walls, overlooking the calm waters of the bay, have safeguarded the security of fishing boats and small vessels for centuries. Today, Ginolu Castle attracts the attention of photography enthusiasts, particularly for the stunning views it offers at sunrise and sunset.
Source: Ne Nerede
3. Babakale Castle – Çanakkale (Ayvacık)
Babakale is known as the westernmost point of Anatolia, and this strategic location increases the historical importance of the castle. In 1723, Ottoman Sultan Ahmed III took refuge on the coast of Ayvacık during a naval expedition to shelter from a storm. Upon learning that the local population was suffering from pirate attacks, he ordered the construction of a sturdy castle to protect the region. The task was undertaken by Grand Vizier Damat Ibrahim Pasha, and the construction process was managed by Kaptan-ı Derya Mustafa Pasha.
A notable feature of the castle's construction was the decree issued promising the release of prisoners who participated in the work. Thus, the castle's construction progressed quickly and also served as a gateway to freedom for many people. Additionally, a 5-kilometre-long water pipeline was laid to meet the water needs, and a historic fountain, still visible today, was built along this pipeline. Babakale Castle, with its square-shaped walls, gates opening to the sea, and the peaceful fishing village surrounding it, continues to transport visitors back in time.
4. Giresun Castle – Giresun
Located at the tip of the peninsula in the centre of Giresun city, Giresun Castle is one of the most important defensive structures in the Black Sea region, both strategically and symbolically. It is believed to have been built by King Pharnaces I of Pontus in the 2nd century BC. The structure consists of two main sections, the inner castle and the outer castle, and is supported by walls surrounding the city from southwest to northeast.
The castle was used not only as a military centre but also as an administrative centre. The palace ruins in the inner castle reveal the administrative importance of the region. The caves on the northern side of the castle are thought to have been used as shelters during possible attacks. The walls, made of large blocks of stone, still stand tall against the harsh climate of the Black Sea and the ravages of time. Today, Giresun Castle enchants visitors with its panoramic city views and the vast blue of the Black Sea.
5. Alanya Castle – Antalya
This magnificent castle, which has become the symbol of Alanya, was built in the 13th century by Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubat of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. After conquering Alanya, the sultan had this massive structure built to strengthen the city. The castle is located on a peninsula 250 metres high and has a total wall length of 6.5 kilometres.
Inside the castle are mosques, cisterns, dungeons, caravanserais and Seljuk-era houses. Some sections of the walls still feature watchtowers and arrow slits from the olden days. One of the most famous spots in Alanya Castle is the Ehmedek and Inner Castle sections, which offer a view of the endless Mediterranean Sea. Today, the castle, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, displays a special splendour with its daytime and night-time lighting. The sunset viewed from the castle in the evening is a sight that remains in the memory of every visitor to Alanya.
6. Bodrum Castle – Muğla
Located in Bodrum, Muğla's tourism paradise, Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights of St. John in the early 15th century and overlooks the harbour. Known at the time as ‘St. Peter's Castle,’ the structure has a square plan and four main towers: the French, German, English, and Italian towers. Each tower reflects the architectural and decorative style of the country that contributed to its construction.
During the Ottoman Empire, the castle was used as a prison in the 19th century, and a bathhouse was added for this purpose. From the mid-20th century onwards, it took on a different mission and was converted into the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. The museum has one of the world's richest collections of underwater artefacts, exhibiting archaeological treasures such as shipwreck remains, amphorae, glass artefacts and the famous Uluburun Shipwreck.
Bodrum Castle, which received a ‘Special Commendation’ award in the 1995 European Museum of the Year Competition, is today a unique destination for both history enthusiasts and holidaymakers. The castle is an indispensable part of the Bodrum landscape, with its historical atmosphere during the day and its illuminated walls at night.
7. Rumeli Fortress – Istanbul
Located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus Strait, Rumeli Fortress was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1452, shortly before the conquest of Istanbul. Its construction was completed in an incredibly short period of only three months. The fortress was strategically positioned opposite the Anadolu Fortress to block any reinforcements coming from the north of the Bosphorus.
Rumeli Fortress consists of three large towers and walls connecting them. The tallest of the towers, Halil Paşa Tower, stands at 28 metres in height. At the time of its construction, the fortress featured special firing points for cannonballs and archers.
Today, Rumeli Hisarı is a cultural and tourist centre with its restored walls, amphitheatre and museum section. Concerts and events held here during the summer months bring together a historical atmosphere and modern art. The view from the fortress, accompanied by the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, is one of the most impressive sights in Istanbul.
8. Bozcaada Castle – Çanakkale
Located at the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait, this castle dominates the port of Bozcaada and is the first structure to catch the eye of those approaching the island by ferry. Although its exact date of construction is unknown, it is thought to have been built during the Byzantine period. Fatih Sultan Mehmet had the castle rebuilt when he annexed the island to Ottoman territory in 1455.
Bozcaada Castle consists of an inner castle and outer walls. The outer walls were built high and thick on the seaside, providing strong defence against attacks from the sea. The exhibition areas inside the castle feature amphorae, ancient tombstones, weapons from the Ottoman period and archaeological finds.
Today, Bozcaada Castle is the most important structure reflecting the island's historical fabric and is a major attraction for both local and foreign tourists. Especially during the summer months, cultural and artistic events held within the castle add a new dimension to the structure's centuries-long history.
9. Maiden’s Castle – Mersin (Erdemli)
Located on a small island in the middle of the sea in the town of Kızkalesi, which is part of the Erdemli district of Mersin, this castle is one of Turkey's most iconic structures with its fairy-tale appearance. The region, historically known as Korykos, has been an important port city since ancient times. It is believed that Maiden’s Castle was built during the Byzantine period in the 12th century to prevent pirate attacks.
Located approximately 200 metres off the coast, the castle formed a mutual defence system with the Korykos Castle on land. It was strategically located for both military and commercial security, as it was difficult to reach from the sea. Today, it is a popular tourist centre that can be reached by swimming or boat during the summer months.
The most famous legend associated with the castle is that the king placed his daughter in the castle to escape a prophecy that she would be killed by a snake, but the snake reached the island in a basket of grapes and killed the princess. This story gave the castle its name and is still told among the people today.
10. Anadolu Hisarı – Istanbul
Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus Strait, at the point where the Göksu River flows into the sea, Anadolu Hisarı was built in 1395 by Yıldırım Bayezid. It was constructed to cut off the Byzantines' connection to the Black Sea and to control the passage of Genoese and Byzantine ships through the Bosphorus.
Anadolu Hisarı is a fine example of early Ottoman military architecture. Originally built as a small inner castle, it was later reinforced with walls and towers added to its surroundings. Together with Rumeli Hisarı, located opposite it, it served as a strategic key point on both sides of the Strait.
Today, Anadolu Hisarı, along with the Göksu and Küçüksu recreational areas surrounding it, is one of Istanbul's most peaceful and historic corners. The area around the fortress features Ottoman civilian architecture, including yalı mansions and historic buildings, making it culturally and touristically valuable.
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