There are many historical monuments in Istanbul that tourists can spend days, even weeks, to visit. As Turkey has many attractions due to its interesting history, and due to the efforts of the Turkish government in the tourism sector in the last decade, as the number of entertainment places has increased dramatically in Istanbul and other cities, so that the tourist finds himself among the wide options of interesting touristic sites.
In this article we present to you the Museum and Castle of Yedikule, one of the historical places in Turkey, which is also one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
The history of the Yedikule Castle in Istanbul
The Yedikule Castle in the historical city of Istanbul dates back to the fourth century AD, The castle has undergone many renovations throughout its history.
Initially, the historic castle had four watchtowers, but during the Ottoman era by orders of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, three other towers were added, each bearing the following titles.
- Armory Tower
- The young Sultan Tower (the tower where Sultan Osman was imprisoned and executed during an uprising at the age of 17)
- The engraving tower
- Treasury tower
- Science tower
- Sultan Ahmed III tower
- The high tower
When the castle was built, it was given the golden gate and was a place for people and travelers to pass through, in addition to being a show of the strength of the city, which has become one of the most tourist attractions in Turkey today.
Yedikule castle was built during the Byzantine period in the fifth century by Emperor Theodosius II, and was named after the seven towers that were later built by order of Sultan Mehmed II.
Also, the building operation of the golden gate known as the Mammoth Arch was stopped at the end of the Byzantine period, not to mention that all the gates of Yedikule Castle are made of gold, and it has been completely rebuilt today, allowing tourists to reach the top of the castle. To enjoy the beautiful view of the Sea of Marmara.
The castle was originally used for surveillance and military purposes, but the purpose has changed over time to be used as a cabinet for the Treasury during the reign of Sultan Murad III in 1574, and was also used as a prison for local and foreign prisoners. And even a place for execution, royal ammunition and gunpowder.
Today, Yedikule Castle has become a beautiful museum. In summer and spring, outdoor parties or cultural theaters are held in the inner courtyard.
The Courtyard Yedikule Castle in Istanbul
Within the outer courtyard of Yedikule castle there is a mosque and a beautiful fountain. In addition to the residence of the barracks, which were considered in ancient times as a separate part of the city, they were demolished in the nineteenth century and a school for girls was built there.
Exciting information about Yedikule castle in Istanbul
There are inscriptions in the castle from centuries ago that are still sufficiently readable today, and these inscriptions tell the history of this fortress. Some of the inscriptions are kept in the castle itself and some are in Istanbul museums.
During the Napoleonic Wars, many French and Russian prisoners were imprisoned in this castle. Among them is a Russian writer who has a full description of the castle and wrote his novel The Devil’s Court in this prison.
One of the interesting things about the Yedikule castle in Istanbul is that if you have a camera, you must pay a camera fee, in addition to the entrance fee.
The site of the Seven Towers Castle Idikuli in Istanbul
The castle is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, and can be reached through public transportation in the city and the tram line.
Find more great places in Istanbul like The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Museum…..
