Anadolu Kavagi: A traditional fishing village on Asian Shore
The ruins of the Byzantine-Genoese Castle on the hill, which was established at the junction of the Black Sea and Marmara, watch the passage from a magnificent view. Separated from Beykoz by a wooded area, the main square of this fishing town is full of fishermen's restaurants serving Bosphorus travelers.
A wind blew from the Black Sea and waves hit the Colliding Rocks (Symplegades), leaving blue foams behind.
Welcome to Asia: the small fishing village of Anadolu Kavağı (ah- nah-doh-loo kah-vah-uh). Anadolu comes from the Greek word anatoli, meaning "the land to the East," while kavak means "controlled pass." From Byzan- tine times to the present, this has been a strategic checkpoint for vessels going through the Bosphorus. As you approach the Asian side, watch for the Byzantine Yoros Castle that dominates the hilltop above the village. Below that, notice the modern military installations: The area between here and the Black Sea is a restricted-access zone.
Don Juan, Lord Byron, 1863
Rumeli Kavağı and Anadolu Kavağı coexist with each other, as in the Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress on both sides of the Bosphorus. Legend has it that Jason, one of the Argonauts, had altars built in both places to express his gratitude when he found the Golden Fleece and returned from Colchis (present-day Georgia) at the end of the Black Sea. In time, temples followed the altars. The temple on the Asian side was the sanctuary of twelve gods and goddesses in ancient Greece. Before sailing to the Black Sea, the sailors stopped here and made dedications to Zeus Ourious (Zeus of the Good Winds). You can get out of the pier to the castle in 20-30 minutes and watch the ships enter and exit the Bosphorus. The slopes and stairs are a bit steep, keep in mind. There are cafes with beautiful views around the castle.
Ali Reis Mosque of Midillili
The construction of this small mosque in Anadolu Kavağı dates back to 1593. Hacı Ali Reis from Midill, who had it built, lies in his tomb right next to the mosque. XX. The building, which was rebuilt in the century, does not have much of an architectural feature. There are several old tombstones in its garden.
Yoros Castle
There is no definitive evidence as to when this castle was built on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, but it is believed to have been built during the rule of the Byzantine Palaeologian dynasty. It is possible to think that a cross on one of the inner walls and the four "b" around it (the "basileus" or the "b" of the emperor) was the symbol of the dynasty. It means "He who has ruled over kings, king of kings". In 1352, the Genoese captured the castle and started to receive customs tax. In 1452, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror conquered both castles, but the unused castles gradually fell into ruin.
It is thought that the name of the castle was derived either from “oros” meaning “mountain” in Greek or “ourios” meaning “good winds”. Today, Rumeli Fortress may look much more impressive, but in its golden age, Yoros Castle was the largest castle on the Bosphorus, twice its size.
Poyrazkoy
The road in the north of Anadolu Kavağı takes you to Anadolu Lighthouse. Located next to a small mosque inside the watchtower, the lighthouse was modernized in 1856 and dates back to 1769. Poyrazköy is located before Anadolu Lighthouse with its small beach. There is not much history, but Poyrazköy is one of the ideal places to sunbathe in the summer months.
300 Rick Steves Istanbul
see a sign to Yoros Kalesi-that's Yoros Castle-across the street). Turn right and walk with the mosque on your right-hand side. Soon you'll see the Navy station fence on your left. After about 100 yards, you'll come to a fork-keep to the left.
YOROS CASTLE (YOROS KALESI)
Castle Hike: Standing with your back to the ferry port, walk straight ahead toward the large, square street fountain (with the gold Arabic script). After the fountain, take the street to your left, and walk about 100 yards (bearing left at fork) until you reach the corner of the yellow, 16th-century Ali Reis Mosque (you'll see a sign to Yoros Kalesi-that's Yoros Castle-across the street). Turn right and walk with the mosque on your right-hand side. Soon you'll see the Navy station fence on your left. After about 100 yards, you'll come to a fork-keep to the left.
