Eskihisar Castle, castle in Turkey
Eskihisar Castle is a stone fortress on a steep hillside near Gebze, positioned close to the coast of the Gulf of Izmit. The walls follow the natural contours of the land and consist of multiple layers built during different periods, including inner walls from the late 1100s and outer fortifications added around 1300.
The fortress was first mentioned in 1241 as a Byzantine stronghold, built after inner walls were constructed in the late 1100s. It changed hands multiple times, falling to the Ottomans in 1329, returning briefly to Byzantine control in 1403, and serving for centuries as a key coastal outpost.
The fortress sits on a hill directly above an old harbor and was a vital point for people in the region for centuries. The location connects stories of trade, fishing, and coastal protection that still shape how locals relate to this part of the coast today.
The site is accessible from the outside and offers views of the gulf and surrounding landscape, but interior areas are not open to visitors. It is best to visit during early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the sun and heat while getting the best views and photography opportunities.
The walls have been greased in several places to prevent climbing, an unusual preservation method that catches many visitors off guard. This approach reflects creative solutions to protect historic structures from damage caused by foot traffic and exploration.
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