Istanbul's Walls of Secrets: The Yedikule Dungeons

Leaning against the historic walls of Istanbul stands a structure that is both magnificent and terrifying: the Yedikule Dungeons. This fortress, dating back to the Byzantine era, was used for centuries as both a triumphal arch and a formidable prison that held countless secrets.

The "Seven Towers", which give the fortress its name, are actually turrets added during different periods. Four of them belong to the original Byzantine walls, while the other three were added by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. This fascinating history began after the conquest of Istanbul when Mehmed used the site as a treasury. In the following centuries, it quickly turned into a dungeon, becoming the final destination for many statesmen and even sultans. The martyrdom of Young Osman, in particular, remains one of the saddest stories etched into the very walls of Yedikule.

Today, the Yedikule Dungeons welcome visitors not as a prison, but as an open-air museum that sheds light on the past. The moss on its walls and the gaps between the ancient stones carry the permanent marks of time.

When you climb to the very top of the fortress, you'll be greeted by a spectacular vista: the endless blue of the Sea of Marmara on one side, and the impressive panorama of Istanbul's walls on the other. This is the perfect spot to truly touch history while admiring the city's unique beauty. If you're someone who loves getting lost in the dusty pages of history, the silent walls of Yedikule will tell you an unforgettable story.