How many stories could these ancient stones tell if they had a voice? This is Poyrazköy Mahallesi. It is a neighborhood in Istanbul Province, Turkey. Poyrazköy lies where the Bosphorus exits into the Black Sea. It is on the Asian side of the Strait.
Poyraz Castle stands here. It is also known as Poyraz Kalesi. The castle is in Poyrazköy. It is on the Black Sea coast. It is on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The castle is thought to have been built 600 years ago. The Ottomans and Byzantines used Poyraz Castle frequently. The Genoese also used it. It was built for military purposes.
Poyraz Castle stands directly opposite Garipçe Castle. Sadly, it stands abandoned today. You can see very little of the castle from the land.
The Genoese built the historical castle. It was for the safety of the strait. This is the point where the strait opens to the Black Sea. The Byzantines and Ottomans also controlled Poyrazköy Castle. The castle’s main job was to ensure the security of the Bosphorus. It guarded the entrance from the Black Sea.
After the Ottomans took control, Turks came from Trabzon and Rize. They settled around the castle. This ensured the region became a Turkish homeland.
Poyrazköy offers visitors a quiet environment. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy their leisure time away from the crowds. Visitors come here on weekends. They enjoy the cute little beach of Poyrazköy. Fishermen’s shelters and boats line the coast. Purse-seiners and cute village houses dot the slopes.
Before entering Poyrazköy, there is a small beach. This is Poyrazköy beach. It is not too big. It has large and small facilities. There are restaurants and changing cabins. It is a sheltered bay against wind and current. You can swim here. It is also ideal for mooring boats and yachts.
There are three beaches in Poyrazköy. Two beaches are mixed. There is also a women-only beach. It is called Poyrazköy Ladies Beach. Poyrazköy is also ideal for a picnic. There is a garden and picnic areas. You can have a daily picnic here.
The Turkish Armed Forces used Poyrazköy Castle. They used it during the 20th century. They used it up until 1988. That is why there are remains of more modern constructions. The castle sits on an elevated position. It is above the harbor of the village.
Entry to Poyraz Castle is free. The views are great. You can see the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.