Prison of Anemas, Byzantine prison complex in Blachernae district, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Prison of Anemas is a Byzantine fortification in the Blachernae district with multiple multi-story chambers enclosed by a massive outer wall. The complex forms part of the ancient defensive system that protected the city from invasion.
The facility was constructed during Byzantine rule to hold high-ranking prisoners and those accused of political crimes. It served as a detention center within the city walls for several centuries as part of the broader fortification network.
The structure reflects Byzantine building techniques through its carefully assembled layers of stone and brick visible throughout the complex. These methods show how skilled workers constructed defensive fortifications during the medieval period.
Visitors can explore the complex most effectively when combined with guided tours that explain the Byzantine fortification system. Access is possible through the ancient city wall paths and allows for a complete view of the surrounding fortifications.
A section of the southern tower incorporates salvaged stone and pillars from demolished churches, creating uneven masonry patterns. This reuse of materials reveals how medieval builders adapted existing religious structures for defensive purposes.
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