The land of Turkey is a land of many histories. It has many ancient empires and kingdoms which have their glorious remnants. Among them are the beautiful castles located throughout the entire Turkish geography from the Aegean Sea to the center of Anatolia. These magnificent citadels are not only landmarks of historical significance; they are also charming landscapes that tell interesting stories. In this article, we will delve into eight of the beautiful castles of Turkey that are rich in beauty, splendor, and history.
1. Bodrum Castle (Castle of Saint Peter)
Bodrum Castle in Turkey is one of the few medieval castles that are considered to be outstanding. Built during the 15th century by the Knights of St. John this fortress has been besieged and survived many battles. It is positioned at the entrance of Bodrum's harbor and offers an amazing sight of the Aegean Sea beneath. Presently, it is home to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology which is one of the most significant museums across the nation.
Taking a tour through Bodrum Castle transports one back in time where visitors are surrounded by its massive walls, old cannons, and nicely done-up inner square. One can walk the castle's walkways and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea and other regions. This castle is also enjoyed by people interested in the history of the Crusades for it was a Crusader castle and offers amazing views as well.
2. Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı)
Rumeli Hisari which is located at the European side of the city of Ikoniums is a remarkable edifice that really was an important building during the conquest of Constantinople in the year 1453. A fortress that was built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, this fortress runs the length of the Bosphorus strait, and its thick walls and moving battlements enabled the people of the city to block any advancing armadas.
Rumeli Fortress is not a castle anymore but has been transformed into a museum while also acting as an open-air amphitheater where shows are presented during the summertime. While treading through the broad stone passages and climbing on top of the fortress towers, a glimpse of the olden days of the great city of Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire can be visualized. The scenery of the Bosphorus from this place is amazing beyond comparison.
3. Alanya Kalesi
Sitting on top of a barren, rocky peninsula that stretches into the blue Mediterranean Sea is the famous Alanya Castle, a place that all travelers to Antalya should treat as a priority. It is a 13th-century Seljuk fortress whose walls measure almost 6 kilometers in radius and has more than 100 towers. The castle is situated in a perfect location enabling stunning views of the city and the ocean, especially during sunsets.
Tourists within the vicinity can see panoramic views of the city; there are also ancient cisterns, small Byzantine churches, and a historic lighthouse as well. The mix of rich history and beautiful sceneries is what makes Alanya Castle one of the most appealing designs of a fortress in Turkey.
4. Van Kalesi
The history of Van Kalesi rises as high as the 9th century before Christ when it became an emblematic Urartian fort. Ideally located on the rocky promontory of Lake Van, this large block of stone structure confirms the structural abilities of Urartians. The dramatic landscapes of the lake, as well as the eastern Anatolian region, encompassed with mountains surround the ruins.
While walking inside on the remains of the castle, you will find such things as rock tombs and inscriptions, or the marvelous walls that used to encircle the ancient Tushpa city. More than one way, Van Castle is an interesting site due to the history it holds which makes it a secret location for most of the interested sites and even historians who may want to go there for solace.
5. Yedikule Fortress (Yedikule Hisari)
Also another piece of art in Istanbul after Galata Tower, Yedikule Fortress or 'the Fortress of Seven Towers' was built later than the Theodosian Walls that protected the city of Constantinople. Throughout time, the fortress has played numerous roles, such as an empress's chamber, galley, and even execution grounds.
These days, the Yedikule Fortress is a tourist site and one can enjoy the feeling of being on top of the towers overlooking the blue of the Marmara Sea and the vastness of the city. For lovers of the strange and wonderful, who are interested in the Byzantine and Ottoman history of Istanbul, this place is certainly one of interest due to its haunted characteristics as well as its past.
6. Mamure Kalesi
General Pompey’s forces built this fort in the 1st century and later it was developed by the Eastern Roman Empire, the Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire. With its 36 towers, moat, and well-preserved ramparts, Mamure Castle is one of the better-preserved fortresses in Turkey.
The castle’s geographical position by the sea and the different architectural styles that mix into it, complete the picture, making it yet more remarkable. Its expansive inner courtyard, boundless heights of the towers, and breathtaking scenery of the sea are waiting for the tourists. Encouragingly, if you are on a trip to the southern parts along the coastline of Turkey, Mamure Castle is one of the sites that you should not forget to visit.
7. Candarli Kalesi
Candarli Kalesi is one of the impressive fortifications located a little to the north of the city of Izmir, in the coastal settlement of Candarli.14th century Genoese built the castle and it is one of the least architectural decadence in history. It has large round towers, thick walls, and a view of the Aegean Sea which photogenic attractive place.
When visiting Candarlı Kalesi, you would honestly think as if you were watching a scene from a historical movie.
8. Kizkalesi (Kız Kalesi)
Kiz Kalesi, also known as Maiden’s Castle, is an enchanting castle situated on a tiny island located a few kilometers from Kız Kalesi Town of Mersin Province. This beautiful castle, built during the Byzantine period, is seen emerging out of the sea and can only be accessed by boats. There is an interesting story that runs parallel to this castle that depicts how a king had this castle built for her daughter who had been forewarned about death by a snake.
These days, the island is not some mysterious dot on the ocean's surface but rather a place where one can take a short boat ride, visit the remains of the castle, and admire the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, the hilltop fortress that juts out from all directions into the sea makes it more enchanting.
Conclusion
Castles in Turkey are not just made of rocks; rather they are dynamic embodiments of the rich history and heritage of the Nation. These eight remarkable castles are a journey across ages from Istanbul which is the busiest city to the serene beaches of the Mediterranean. Be it for history, nature’s beauty, or for appreciating attractive sceneries, these castles are out of this world.
