Anadolu Kavağı (Anatolian Land) is in the district Beykoz of Asian Side of Istanbul. It is the last stop on the Bosphorus before the Black Sea and beyond. Therefore, it was used as a shelter for trade ships against storms for centuries, where it is recorded even up to three hundred ships were serviced at a time. However it was a small fishing village until recent years that the income of the village depended mostly on fishing and still today the large part of the small harbor serving for fishing boats. Today it is attracted by locals and tourist with its nice ambiance, green environment and many fish restaurants along the sea shore.
Since it is one of the narrowest stretches of the Bosporus it is strategically important in the history of Roman and Ottoman Empires and even it holds the importance. That’s the reason there is a castle on the hill observing Bosphorus and Black Sea, and today the large part of the district is occupied by a military base.
Yoros Castle was settled by the Greeks strategically for trading and military purposes. Byzantines, Genoese, and Ottomans fought over this strategic fortification for centuries and finally upon the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the presence of the Genoese at such a strategic location posed a threat to the new Ottoman capital. Within a few years, Sultan Mehmed II drove the Genoese out. He then fortified the walls, and constructed a customs office, quarantine, and check point, as well as placing a garrison of troops there.
Today, the ruins of the citadel and surrounding walls still exist but most of the towers and other structures are damaged. Climbing the castle from sea side 15-20 minutes walk offers overview of city of Istanbul, Bosporus and the Black Sea.
District of Anadolu Kavagi is almost one hour away with a public bus depart from Uskudar from the Asian side. However, the most common way is to take the public ferry departing from Eminonu at 10.30 am with duration of 1 hour 35 minutes and returning back at 3.00 pm between April and October.
With our Cruise in the Bosphorus and the Black Sea coast (Tour No: 4) along with many other palaces we also visit Anadolu Kavagi and Yoros Castle.
Book the tour for ANADOLU KAVAGI and YOROS CASTLE |
