Yedikule Fortress in Istanbul
History
Yedikule Fortress in Istanbul is locally known as Yedikule Hisari or Yedikule Zindanlari; meaning “Fortress/Dungeons of the Seven Towers”. In Byzantine times it was just a section of the Walls of Constantinople, as part of the Theodosian walls, built during the 5th century. This part also included the Golden Gate which was the main ceremonial entrance gate to the city. The Golden Gate was where the Byzantine emperors entered the city after military victories or during coronations.
The present Yedikule Fortress was built on the orders of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror, around 1457/8. Shortly after his conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The seven tower complex came into existence by building three large round towers. It enclosed the Byzantine city wall that already held the two towers of the Golden Gate and two wall towers.
A Prison
In the past, many famous people were imprisoned or killed here. One of them was Osman II, who was imprisoned and executed there by the Janissaries in the 17th century. Some of other notable people who found themselves in this fortress were, the last Emperor of Trebizond, David Megas Komnenos, Constantin Brancoveanu of Wallachia and King Simon I of Georgia.
The fortress was last used as a prison in 1831, later a gunpowder manufacturing place. It offers spectacular views from the battlements are the highlight of the visit here.
