Poyrazköy Castle

Poyrazköy Castle, locally known as Poyrazköy or Poyraz Kalesi, lies in the village of the same name, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait in the province of Istanbul in Turkey.

I was unable to find any historical info about this castle. Only that it was said to be first built by the Genoese during the 15th century. My best guess is that the present remains date back to the late 18th century when, on the opposite European shore, Garipçe Castle was built by the Ottomans. Together with that castle, Poyrazköy Castle had to control the northern entrance to the Bosphorus from the Black Sea.

Both castles were assisted by 2 watchtowers that were built around 1778. Both watchtowers were built by the French military advisor François Baron de Tott. So maybe he was also involved with the building of the 2 castles.

Poyrazköy Castle was used by the Turkish Armed Forces during the 20th century, up until 1988, hence all the remains of more modern constructions.

The castle sits on an elevated position above the harbor of the village. There is a small construction made out of rocks and bricks, similar like the watchtowers and its sister-castle, Garipçe. The rest is underground and looks like an early 20th century fort.

At present the site of Poyrazköy Castle is fenced off. The fence however is badly maintained, so the site is still freely accessible and offers great views over the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. The entrance to the more modern underground fort-like area was also fenced off but cut open. I did not venture inside as it looked too risky. Its watchtower Poyrazköy Tower is situated uphill.

Not a very interesting site but the views are great.

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