Bosphorus scenery. It was constructed upon the order of Bayezid I “The Thunderbolt” at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, between the years 1391 and 1399. During the period, the Genoese had sealed an alliance with the Byzantine Empire and founded colonies in Kefe, Sinop and Amasra. The Bosphorus was of vital importance for both the Genoese and the Ottomans. For, it was the lone method to take the passages from Bosphorus under control and to ensure the army’s access to the opposing coast in a safe manner during a potential battle to be fought around Rumelia.

The castle, which was constructed on an area of 7 thousand square meters, was referred during various eras with names such as Güzel Hisar (Beautiful Castle), Yeni Hisar (New Castle) and Ak Hisar (White Castle). The castle, consisting of citadel walls and tree towers, has an important place in Ottoman history. The baileys of the Anadolu Hisar, whose location was determined in a masterful manner strategically, are multi-arched. The walls of the main castle lie for 65 meters in the east-west direction and 80 meters in north-south direction. The thickness of the walls is 2,5 meters. On the baileys exist vents where cannons were placed. Block stones, filled with mortar in necessary places, were used on the main castle and citadel walls of Anadolu Hisarı.

Changes made by Mehmed II in the year 1452, increased the strength of Anadolu Hisarı extremely. The fortress, which was previously used for the purpose of defense, therefore was brought to a condition enabling the Ottomans to start an assault from there. Anadolu Hisarı also began being a settlement during the Mehmed the Conqueror era. It was first ensured for soldiers, and afterwards the people, to settle around the fortress. Anadolu Hisarı, where the attacks from the Black Sea were responded after the Conquest of İstanbul, lost its importance during the 16th century, after the Black Sea began to be entirely controlled by the Ottoman Empire.

As for another must-see building of the era, it is the Küçüksu Kasrı (Küçüksu Pavilion), some parts of which were demolished and couldn’t reach our day. The story of the pavilion located at the south of Anadolu Hisarı, goes back to the middle of the 18th century. Bostanji (one of the imperial guards of the Ottoman Empire) Quarters, located at the current place of the Pavilion, was removed in the year 1752, and a wooden kiosk for Mahmud I was constructed in lieu of it. In the year 1803, Selim III procured the construction of a baroque style fountain in the garden of the pavilion for her mother Mihrişah Valide Sultan. The fountain and the pond in the garden are in a unique harmony with Küçüksu Kasrı. Later, a contemporary-style stone building was constructed to replace the kiosk, which had aged in time. Küçüksu Kasrı, which was constructed upon the order of Abdülmecid I in the year 1856, is decorated with rococo patterns, and attracts attention with its engravings on the external side. The structure, which is currently used as a museum, continues to enthrall its visitors with its engravings, crystal chandeliers, carpets and fireplaces.