Aydos Castle

Category: Infrastructure
Type: Castle
Location: Mehmet Akif, Orman Ave. Sultanbeyli
Date: 11-12 Century / 2010-2022
Designer: Unknown / Arkeo Teknik Mimarlık
Period: Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire / Republic of Türkiye
Photos: Aydos Kalesi (haydoskalesi.com.tr)

Aydos Castle, originally named Aetos meaning eagle in Greek, was constructed by the Byzantine Empire during the 11th or 12th century to oversee the strategic land routes leading to Constantinople. Situated on the highest peak of modern-day Istanbul, the fortress served as a crucial defensive outpost until it was captured by Ottoman forces under the command of Abdurrahman Gazi in 1328. This conquest is famously immortalized in Ottoman chronicles through the legend of the castle lord’s daughter, who reportedly aided the Ottoman soldiers following a prophetic dream. Although its military importance dwindled after the fall of nearby Izmit, the site remains a significant archaeological landmark, having been extensively restored and reopened to the public in early 2023 to showcase its dual-walled architecture and medieval heritage.

Aerial view of a historical fortress surrounded by dense forest, showcasing stone walls and remnants of structures.
Aerial view of ancient ruins surrounded by trees, with a Turkish flag flying high above and a cityscape in the background.
Aerial view of an ancient stone fortress situated on a hill, surrounded by greenery and overlooking a cityscape in the distance.
Aerial view of a historic stone fortress with surrounding walls and pathways, set on a grassy hill with scattered rocks and greenery.
Aerial view of ancient stone ruins surrounded by dense greenery and hills.
Aerial view of ancient ruins with a stone structure surrounded by a wooden walkway, set in a green landscape with trees and pathways.
Aerial view of ancient ruins with stone walls and a circular tower, surrounded by greenery and overlooking a cityscape in the background.
View of ancient ruins on a hilltop with a flag, overlooking a city below.
Aerial view of archaeological ruins featuring stone foundations and pathways, surrounded by greenery.
Archaeological site featuring stone ruins with a partially preserved ancient structure and scattered artifacts, surrounded by a grassy area overlooking a distant landscape.
Ruins of an ancient stone fortification on a grassy hilltop, with a flag flying in the background and trees visible nearby.
Ruins of an ancient stone structure with multiple sections, surrounded by grassland and trees, set against a mountainous landscape.

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