Seyrek Castle

Seyrek Castle, locally known as Seyrek Kalesi, lies in the village of the same name, in the province of Kocaeli in Turkey.

Seyrek Castle is thought to have been built by the Byzantine Empire. It is situated on a small rocky peninsula, jutting out into the Black Sea and overlooking a nice bay forming a natural harbor.  That natural harbor served as a small port of the Late Byzantine town of Astrabeke, which was first mentioned in the 14th century. The castle lost its function when the coast was taken over by the Ottomans, and then fell to ruin. Nothing more is known of its history.

Apparently, in 1939 the site was used by the Turkish army for a while. Its remains are also said to have suffered from illegal treasure hunters.

At present, Seyrek Castle can freely be visited. A very nicely situated but small castle ruin.

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