From Rome to the Ottomans: Istanbul's 11 Historic Gates

Istanbul's gates are known as important parts of the land walls built during the reign of Theodosius II. They are important gateways that regulated entry and exit to the city, directed trade and hosted ceremonies in different periods.

Topkapı

Among them are Edirnekapı, which witnessed Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror entering the city with his army after praying at Hagia Sophia following the conquest of Istanbul, and Topkapı, whose walls were bombarded with massive cannons during the conquest.

The magnificent Golden Gate (Altın Kapı), through which Byzantine emperors entered the city in victory processions, took on an entirely different identity during the Ottoman period after becoming part of Yedikule Fortress.

Golden Gate

Belgradkapı acquired a new place in the city's memory along with the settlement around it. The gate is known to have taken its name from people from Belgrade who were settled in the area during the Ottoman period.

Belgradkapı

Mevlanakapı took its present name from the nearby Yenikapı Mevlevi Lodge, while Silivrikapı played an important role in Istanbul's commercial life for centuries as one of the entry points for goods arriving from Rumelia.

Mevlanakapı

Silivrikapı

Sulukule Gate, which has a special place in accounts of the conquest, stands out as one of the most vulnerable points of the walls.

Sulukule Gate

Historic Cibalikapı has remained one of the important passageways connecting the city with the sea throughout its approximately 1,800-year history. The gate takes its name from Cebe Ali, one of the prominent figures associated with the conquest.

Cibalikapı

Ayakapı

Ayakapı on the Golden Horn and Eğrikapı on the northern walls are among the structures that have carried traces of life between Istanbul's waterfront and its land walls into the present day.

Eğrikapı

These gates, which took their names from the places where they were located, surrounding structures or historical events, continue to maintain their importance today amid the city's rapidly flowing daily life.

Yedikule Gate