Anadolu Hisarı Fortress: the oldest Ottoman fortress on the Bosphorus

Updated on October 4, 2026

Anadolu Hisarı is the fortress that Sultan Bayezid I (Yıldırım) had built in 1393-1394 on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, at the point where the strait narrows, in the Beykoz district, in preparation for the siege of Constantinople. It is the oldest Ottoman building in the city. Sultan Mehmed II strengthened it, then had the fortress of Rumeli Hisarı built on the opposite shore in 1452: together, they controlled the passage of ships before the fall of the city in 1453. The heart of the site is a square tower about 25 metres high, surrounded by an enclosure. The fortress was restored by the City of Istanbul and, according to published information, has reopened to the public. At the foot of the walls lies the village of Anadolu Hisarı, with its waterfront wooden houses and cafés. Allow an hour for the fortress, and more if you continue to the Göksu stream.

Highlights

The tower and the enclosure

The central tower and the flanking towers dominate the water's edge. Seen from the Bosphorus, the fortress stands out against the wooded hill, facing the European shore. From the boat, the Rumeli Hisarı fortress appears just opposite: see the Bosphorus cruise.

The village of Anadolu Hisarı

Beneath the fortress, the waterfront wooden houses (yalı), the little harbour and the cafés make up one of the loveliest seafronts on the Asian shore.

The Göksu stream

A few hundred metres to the north, the stream flows into the Bosphorus near the Küçüksu Pavilion: the walk between the two sites follows the water.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Opening hours and the ticket price could not be confirmed on an official source at the date of this entry: check them before you go, in particular the closing day (given as Monday on travel websites). The outside of the enclosure can be seen for free from the seafront road. The visit combines easily with the Küçüksu Pavilion and, further south, with Beylerbeyi Palace. Our guide to the Asian shore of the Bosphorus gives the order of the villages along the coast.

How to get there

Anadoluhisarı Mahallesi, Beykoz, Istanbul. Get to Üsküdar by ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş or Beşiktaş, or by Marmaray, then take bus 15 (Üsküdar–Beykoz) to the Anadoluhisarı stop. From the Küçüksu Pavilion, allow a few minutes on foot along the seafront road.