Aydos Castle

Aydos Castle was built in the 11th and 12th centuries during the time of the Eastern Roman Empire. Its name at that time, “Aetos” (Αετός), meant “eagle” in Greek. This name has been preserved with very minor changes until our period. Aydos Castle has a very important place for both Ottomans and Byzantines at a time when the Byzantine Empire started to lose lands gradually.

Aydos Castle was conquered by the Ottoman Army under the command of Abdurrahman Gazi during the reign of Orhan Gazi in 1328. The importance of the castle increased as the Turks approached Constantinople in the eleventh century. Based on the outer walls, the castle is built on an area of 26,000 square meters. Although the castle is not known exactly, it is estimated that it was built in the 11th century. The castle and the place where it was built, the Sultanbeyli Plain, served as a station connecting Anatolia to Istanbul at that time and had a strategic location.

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Features of Aydos Castle

When the position and architectural qualifications of Aydos Castle are examined, it is seen that there is 26,000 square meters of space from the exterior walls. It is known that the first stages of the preservation of the castle are in the 11th-12th century. The castle has two walls, inside and outside. Its bastions, on the other hand, are 13 in total, six on the inner defensive wall and seven on the outer one.

Castle Gates

During the archaeological studies carried out in the castle, a total of three gates were unearthed on the inner walls. It is possible to clearly see the traces of the towers built on both sides of the gate in the southeast part. Considering that towers were built on both sides of the castle gates in general, it is estimated that this gate was the entrance gate of the castle. It gives the impression that there are remains of marble and columns on the floor in the east of the castle, and that one of the castle gates is also here in the wide opening.

Castle Bastions

It is seen that the bastions unearthed during the renovation works in Aydos Castle were made of local stones in the form of a semicircle. A covered structure was unearthed on the outer wall of the bastion in the southwest of the castle. This overlay builds 13-14. It clearly carries the architectural style of the 19th century.

Construction of Aydos Castle

Aydos Castle consists of two walls, the inner wall and the outer wall. It consists of a total of 13 bastions, six on the inner defensive wall and seven on the outer one. The distance between the inner walls and the outer walls is approximately 20 meters. The castle, which is in a position dominating the Sultanbeyli region like other similar castles, was built on a rock and the top of the hill on which the castle was built was leveled. The east side of Aydos Castle overlooks a deep valley. Since it is very difficult to reach the castle from this direction, the number of bastions in the eastern part is designed as one.

Many historical artifacts were found during the restorations carried out in the castle, which was revealed by the excavations that started in 2010. Thanks to the ongoing restoration works, water cisterns, churches and water channels were found in Aydos Castle. Historical remains such as carbonized legumes, pots, keys and coins will be exhibited in a museum to be opened in Aydos Castle.

Where is Aydos Castle?

Aydos Castle is located within the borders of our city, Istanbul, which is the tourist paradise and strait of our country and the apple of the world’s eye. The historical castle is located in the Sultanbeyli district of Istanbul. Aydos Castle is on the 325-meter extension of Aydos Hill. You can click on the link to see the location of Aydos Castle on the map.

What to Do in Aydos Castle?

If you want to leave the complexity of city life behind and leave yourself in the arms of a lush nature, you can have a good time in Aydos Forest. You will have a great time in this forest, where you will explore the environment in a lush nature, rest your soul by taking walks. Walking in the depths of the forest and enjoying the fresh air are among the activities you can do here.

Aydos Hill, which is 537 meters high, which gives its name to Aydos Castle and Aydos Forest, is another spot you can visit. This hill has the distinction of being the highest point within the borders of Istanbul. It is also known as the place where Istanbul’s first snow fell. You can climb Aydos Hill by walking through the forest. When you go to the hill where you will witness a beautiful view, you should definitely take your camera with you.

Apart from these, one of the must-see places is Aydos Lake. Especially if you like to take nature walks, you should definitely go here. You can take beautiful photos around the lake, which you will reach with a five-kilometer nature walk, or have a picnic if you wish. If you wish, you can rent a bicycle in the area and follow the bicycle path to reach the lake. Non-motorized water sports such as pedalo and canoe are also practiced in the lake. You can have a very pleasant time by having a picnic by the lake in Aydos Forest.

How to Go to Aydos Castle?

Aydos Castle can be reached by public transport or private vehicles. Those who will come by private car can reach here via Kartal- Yakacık-Sultanbeyli by using the E5 and TEM road connections. On the way, you can benefit from the signs showing Aydos Hill. Those who will come here by public transport can reach the castle after taking the bus numbered 21U, which departs from Kadıköy, getting off at Çamlık stop and walking for a while.