The gates of Istanbul 3: Yedikule Gate

Some art historians consider this gate as a complete Turkish work in terms of style and architecture and show inscription of 3rd Ahmet period on the gate as evidence.

The gate was built in Byzantine period but rebuilt by Sultan 3rd Ahmet in 18th century. It had a eagle emblem on it that is symbol of Byzantine, until near the time. It takes its name from the Yedikule Dungeons near it.

When you entered from gate in, towers of Yedikule Dungeons are seen. While you’re here,  stop by the Yedikule Dungeons, it is also necessary to see the previous gate, Golden Gate, from the courtyard of the dungeon.

You will see gardens which lie along the walls, in front of Yedikule Gate. These gardens where lettuce, onion and cabbages grown, is lie along for 3 kilometers between Topkapı Gate and Mevlanakapı Gate.

These gardens were ditch once upon a time and were forming first defense line of the land walls which called impassable. Ditches whose is deep 8 meters, wide 20 meters, were filled with water when Istanbul besieged. The soldiers who besieged the city, had to pass first this ditches for arrive the city.

By following the gardens, we can clearly see triple defensive line of the land walls when walk along the walls. The walls, which lie just behind the gardens, are approximately 8.5 meters high and outer walls. These walls, have a tower every sixty meters. The inner walls are behind the outer walls and more higher. The inner walls are basic walls of the city because it is most strong and most equipped walls as technical. It’s 12 meters high, 8 meters wide and has a tower every sixty meters.

Our walking along Yedikule gardens and walls ends aftet 500-600 meters at the Belgradkapı Gate.