Istanbul

Yedikule Fortress

About Yedikule Fortress, Yedikule Fortress is an Ottoman fortress located in the Old Gate neighbourhood in the historical peninsula of Istanbul. It was built by Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) after the conquest of Istanbul. The name of the Yedikule Fortress is connected with the seven lamps gate of the Ottoman Empire. Yedikule Fortress was built by Mehmed II in 1458-1459. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was decided to build a series of castles and fortresses to strengthen the city's defences. Yedikule Fortress is also a part of this strategic defence line. The main purpose of the fortress was to create a defence point against the armies besieging Istanbul. At the same time, the dungeons and towers inside the fortress were used as a place where the government could imprison important personalities.

The architecture of Yedikule Fortress bears the characteristics of Ottoman architecture. It is a building with a rectangular plan, surrounded by high walls and high towers at the corners. It has a total of seven towers, one of which, the Serpent Tower, has been used for different purposes throughout history. Yedikule Fortress is also famous for its dungeons. These dungeons were the places where important figures of the Ottoman period were imprisoned. Yedikule Dungeons are one of the parts of the fortress open to visitors. Yedikule Fortress is used as an open-air museum today. Visitors can visit the fortress, experience the historical atmosphere and learn many details about the conquest of Istanbul.

History of Yedikule Fortress

History of Yedikule Fortress, Yedikule Fortress is an Ottoman-era fortress located in the Old Gate neighbourhood in the historical peninsula of Istanbul. It was built by Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) as part of the city walls surrounding Istanbul. The construction of Yedikule Fortress took place in 1458-1459, in the years after the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople led to the construction of a series of defensive structures to protect the city against sieges.

Yedikule Fortress was built as part of the fortifications surrounding Istanbul to strengthen the city's defences and control a strategic point. It is thought that the fortress was part of the Ottoman Empire's strategy to protect its capital against external threats. The dungeons inside the Yedikule Fortress were places where important figures were imprisoned during the Ottoman period. These dungeons were used as a place where people who were seen as potential threats to the security of the state were imprisoned.

When was the Yedikule Fort Built?

When was the Yedikule Fortress built, the exact construction date of the Yedikule Fortress has not been precisely determined, but it is generally dated to the early 15th century, ie the mid-1400s. This dungeon complex was used as part of the Topkapı Palace built by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, after the conquest of Istanbul.

Where is Yedikule Fortress?

Where is Yedikule Fortress? Yedikule Hisarı, Yedikule Hisarı is located in the district of Fatih in Istanbul.

How to get to Yedikule Fortress?

How to get to Yedikule Fortress? Yedikule Fortress is located in Fatih district, one of the historical districts of Istanbul. You can use the following transport options to reach the fortress:

• Public Transport: Public transport is quite common in Istanbul. If you want to go to Yedikule Hisarı by public transport, you can first reach the nearest metro, tram or bus line from your location. Then you can follow these directions:
• - Metro: You can reach Yedikule Station via Marmaray Line in the city. Then you can continue on foot or by bus.
• - Tram: You can reach the dungeons by walking to Yedikule station on the T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar Tram Line.
• - Bus: There are many bus lines throughout the city. You can choose the most suitable bus line from your location and reach Yedikule.
• - Private Vehicle: If you are going with your own car, you can check the address of Yedikule Hisarı from the map applications and reach the place you want to go directly. However, considering Istanbul traffic, public transport may be preferred.
• - Hiking: If you are a person who likes to walk in the city and your location is close to Yedikule, you can also reach on foot. Since Yedikule Fortress is located close to the city centre, walking is also a preferable option.

Before making your transport plan, it is important to check up-to-date information on routes and means of transport.

Yedikule Fortress and Dungeons

Yedikule Fortress and Dungeons, Yedikule Fortress is an Ottoman fortress built as part of the historical city walls of Istanbul. The fortress is located on the shore of the Marmara Sea, north of the E-5 Motorway. Although the exact date of construction of Yedikule Fortress, which is located in the southwest of the walls of Istanbul, is not known, it is thought to have been built in 1458-1459, after Mehmed II conquered Istanbul.

Yedikule Fortress attracts attention with its seven towers. Each tower was used for different purposes. These towers, called Genç Osman Tower, Dungeon Tower, Cannon Tower, Armoury Tower, Flag Tower, Ahmet III Tower and Treasure Tower, fulfilled various functions of the fortress. Yedikule Dungeons are the historical dungeons located in this fortress. Various criminals, political prisoners and prisoners were kept here during the Ottoman period.

Although the dungeons have been forgotten and destroyed over time, they can be visited as a museum today. Yedikule Fortress and Dungeons is an important cultural heritage element with its historical importance, architecture and contribution to Istanbul's defence systems. Visitors to Istanbul usually prefer to explore this historical building.

Yedikule Fortress Entrance Fee

Yedikule Fortress entrance fee, can be visited without paying any fee.

Yedikule Fortress Museum Entrance Fee

Yedikule Fortress museum entrance fee, Yedikule Dungeons, Treasury Tower, Dungeon Tower, Ahmet III Tower, Armoury Tower, Flag Tower and Cannon Tower. Yedikule Fortress (Yedikule Fortress Museum) is open to visitors on other days of the week except Monday. You can visit the museum free of charge. You can also make a detailed visit with a guide by making an appointment online.

What to do around Yedikule Fortress?

What to do around Yedikule Fortress? There are several interesting activities and places to visit around Yedikule Fortress. Here are some things you can do in this area:

• Walking along the city walls: Yedikule Dungeons are part of the old city walls. Walks along the city walls can offer an experience intertwined with history.
• Yedikule Walls Museum: Located on the Yedikule Walls, the museum can offer interesting information about the history of the region and how the walls were used for defence.
• Belgrade Gate Square: You can sit in Belgrade Gate Square, the main entrance of Yedikule Fortress, observe the surroundings and enjoy the atmosphere that smells of history.
• Exploring the Surrounding Neighbourhoods: Yedikule Dungeons is located in one of the historical districts of Istanbul. Exploring the local neighbourhoods in this area can be a great opportunity to experience traditional life.
• Nearby Historical Sites: In the neighbourhood of Yedikule Dungeons, you can visit important historical sites such as Topkapi Palace. 

These activities can make your visit to Yedikule Dungeons a richer and more enjoyable experience.

The information about Yedikule Fortress we have prepared for you has ended here. We tried to give you useful information for those who want to have a pleasant time while visiting the fortress. You can make this list richer and more personalised by sharing your travel route experiences with us. Also, don't forget to explore other articles that we think may be of interest to you.

You can visit our Istanbul Travel Plans, Istanbul Activities to Do and Istanbul Accommodation pages, or you can create your own travel plan from our Istanbul places to visit page.

• Yedikule Dungeons: Located inside the Yedikule Fortress, the dungeons are an interesting place with its historical texture. It is possible to explore the dungeons of the Ottoman period here.
• Yedikule Garden: The garden of the fortress is an area open to visitors and offers a pleasant walk with its atmosphere smelling of history. It is also a suitable place for picnics.
• Yedikule Marpissa: Located right next to the Yedikule Fortress, this venue is a historical amphitheatre and concert area. It attracts attention with its impressive architecture.
• Yedikule Zoo: Located near the Citadel, the zoo can be a pleasant place to visit, especially for families with children.
• Samatya: Samatya neighbourhood, which is very close to Yedikule Citadel, is famous for its historical and cultural texture. Walking around here, trying local delicacies and visiting historical churches can be a nice activity.
• Kumkapi Fishmongers: Kumkapi is a neighbourhood famous for its seafood. You can have a delicious fish dinner accompanied by a beautiful sea view in the fish restaurants here.
• Walking and Photography: It can be enjoyable to take a walk around Yedikule Fortress and photograph the surrounding historical texture.
• Festivals and Events: Participating in the events organised in the region and attending cultural festivals can also colour your time around Yedikule Fortress.

These activities around Yedikule Fortress can help you discover the historical and cultural riches. Another point that should not be forgotten is that it can be quite enjoyable to visit these regions and spend your time in these historical places to fully feel the historical texture and atmosphere of Istanbul.