Anadolu Hisari: The Fortress on the Anatolian Side

When you say Anadolu Hisari, it means the fortress. When you say Anadoluhisari, it means the district. I'll mainly tell you about the sight, but also mention the district.

The Fortress

It is on the spot where Goksu Stream pours into the Marmara Sea. Like Rumeli Hisari (but before that), it was built on the narrowest part of Bosphorus. It was built in 1395, at the reign of Yildirim Beyazid. Passing from Bosphorus was important for the Genoese, who were allied with Eastern Romans. However, it was also important for the Ottomans. After the conquest of Istanbul, the fortress lost its importance. Unfortunately, it wasn't lucky as Rumeli Hisari, which is being used as a concert arena and open air museum. It is mostly a ruin and there is a road passing in the middle of it.

The District

It is between Kanlica and Kandilli. Goksu Stream is the distinctive geographical element there. It was sure cleaner and more beautiful at the past, based on the Kucuksu Pavilion.

Kucuksu Pavilion was built by Nikogos Balyan by the order of Abdulmecit in 1856. Its previous name was Goksu Pavilion. Pavilions were thought to belong to sultans apart from the palace, and they were larger than the kiosks. Today, there is a cosy tea house/café on its yard and the pavilion is used for weddings. I recommend you to drink tea or coffee next to the sea. The prices are reasonable.

The area between Goksu Stream and Kucuksu Stream is called Kucuksu Meadow. Next to the pavilion is Kucuksu Fountain, namely Mihrisah Valide Sultan Fountain.

How to get to Anadolu Hisari?

The Beykoz buses that follow the coastal road will pass from Anadolu Hisari. Beware that the road is narrow and the traffic jam is very heavy on week ends. 15F is the line between Kadikoy and Beykoz. You can also use the ferry which is much more scenic, but it is less frequent than the bus lines.