Cesme Castle, Ismir, Turkey
If you are arriving in Cesme by sea it will be one of the first and most memorable landmarks you will see. Or if you drive or walk to the seaside promenade in the town center of Cesme, you will see it rise up majestically beside you. It is Cesme’s most special building, it has a history of over 500 years and it is also the building you will notice every time you venture into Cesme’s center. The Cesme Castle and Museum is a piece of history that must be visited by every visitor to Cesme.
The Cesme Castle was ordered built in 1508 by the Ottoman ruler Beyazit II. The castle was built on the waterfront but because the sea has subsequently been filled there is currently a road passing in front of it. The edifice has recently undergone a successful renovation and you will witness a typical Ottoman castle. By climbing up the stairs on either side you will reach the top where you can view a 360 degree panoramic view of Cesme.
As you climb up, you will see two different courtyards where some historical artifacts and tombstones are exhibited. There are also two museums inside the castle; one of them has historical artifacts brought over from the nearby Ionian city of Erythrai (current day Ildir) and the other museum has relics from the three day naval war fought between the Ottomans and Russians.
The castle also plays host and serves as an interesting venue to summer concerts which are part of the annual Izmir Festival.
Epic Turkey Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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