Anatolian Fortress Museum History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

Anatolian Fortress Museum (Anadolu Hisarı Müzesi), located on a triangular piece of land between the Istanbul Strait and the Göksu River, stands at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. Known by various names such as Akça Hisar, Gözlüce Hisar, Güzelce Hisar, Yenice Hisar, and Nova Castrum, it was constructed by Sultan Bayezid I, also known as Yıldırım Bayezid. The construction date is subject to different interpretations by Ottoman historians.

After defeating the Crusader army at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396, Bayezid turned his focus towards Istanbul. Preparing for the siege of Istanbul, he captured Şile and built a fortress on the narrowest part of the Bosphorus on the Anatolian side to prevent Byzantine reinforcements from the Black Sea. This fortress served as a “bridgehead.”

Over time, the fortress housed the castle warden, guards, and their families, eventually forming a neighborhood as the population grew. In 1452, Sultan Mehmed II, as part of his preparations for the conquest of Istanbul, fortified the Anadolu Hisarı and added a large three-towered “hisarpeçe” (outer fortress) to control aid from the Black Sea and strengthen the siege. This modification transformed Anadolu Hisarı from a medieval defensive castle to an early modern offensive fortress.

After the conquest of Istanbul, Anadolu Hisarı lost its primary function but continued to secure the Bosphorus for a while. From the 16th century, it was used as a prison for various state officials. Although it was useful in stopping Cossack raids from the Black Sea in the 17th and 18th centuries, it largely lost its function after new fortifications were built further up the Bosphorus in the 18th century.

Anadolu Hisarı, along with other monumental structures in Istanbul, is now considered under the “museum city” approach. Paired with Rumeli Hisarı on the European side of the Bosphorus, both these historical fortresses are now utilized as museums, exhibition spaces, and cultural venues.

Anadolu Hisarı Museum Visitor Information:

• Discount Ticket: 10 TL
• Standard Ticket: 40 TL
• Foreign Tourist Ticket: 80 TL

Opening Hours:

• Open every day except Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact Information:

• Phone: 0216 333 52 30
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Anadolu Hisarı Mahallesi, Beykoz District, Istanbul