Silivri Selymbria Castle

There is no official record of who built the famous walls of Silivri in Selymbria for the first time. However, it is thought that the city walls were built for protection during the establishment period of the city and were renewed and expanded in the following years.

Emperor Justinian, who repaired the wall of Anastasius, which was destroyed as a result of the earthquake in the 16th century, also had the Silivri Castle, which was damaged in the same period, repaired.

A few years later, between 741 and 775, Constantine V had the Silivri walls maintained. Silivri Castle was rebuilt for the last time as a result of the great damage it suffered after the earthquake of "Kiamet-i Suğra" (Little Doomsday). It was repaired by Bayezid between 1481 and 1512.

In the following periods, the walls lost their importance and were not renovated in any way. Silivri Castle was built in rectangular architecture. Since there are rocks descending from the southern part towards the sea, no walls were built in this part, and the remaining three facades were surrounded by walls.

The area covered by the castle is approximately 120 thousand square meters; The western side is 370 m long, the northern side is 350 m, and the eastern side is 310 m long.

The wall on the western front has not survived to the present day. In the southern part, it is thought that there is a gate created for the purpose of establishing a port connection. The main gates of the castle are located on the northern façade and are known to open to Via Egnatia, the inter-city road connecting Istanbul to the Adriatic Sea.

Fatih District, rising within the old castle walls; It is also known as Kale Mahallesi and Jewish Quarter. When the region fell into the hands of the Turkish people, Turks were settled in the neighborhood.