The Asian Fortress

So its only fair to tell you all about the Asian fortress since I went into such detail about the Rumeli or the European sides fortress a few posts ago. Basically as you can imagine whomever held power and control over the Bosphorus straight, had power and control over a lot of economy, trade, and people. So duh the two opposing sides fought all the time and built massive castles to try and prove who was more powerful/deserving to own the Bosphorus. Can you really own the Bosphorus? A moving flowing strong beautiful body of water? 

So anyway the Asian or rather Anatolian side of Turkey claims fame and ownership to the Anadolu Kavağı. This wonderful, yet greatly damaged castle/fortress that people come and spend a day with their families either picnicking, sightseeing, BBQing or other shenanigans. There really wasn't much to see, it was more of a ruins of some sort that is still standing and you are allowed to go hang out there for free. 

The view was the breathtaking part. You see the Black sea as it pours into the Bosphorus, you see the cargo ships awaiting their time for passage. The sun was beating down on me as I snapped some photos and walked around the maybe football sized area. The castle itself has been graffiti-ed which i saw as a shame since peoples tags are not all that interesting to me.

The coolest part about living in Istanbul is that you can go no more then an hour out of one area and you are in a completely different area. Let me explain this. Like Bend Oregon there are several things to do and see and they are all within an hours drive. Like you can hike, fish, snowboard, ski, wake board, mountain climb, jog, bike, run, kayak you name it and you can do it. 

There is all seasons, all sports, and its so convenient. Istanbul is similar in that you can be in the city one minute, either the old romantic Ottoman districts. While in the busy modern, flowing crowded shopping districts the next. But shortly after that you can come across quiet small fisherman villages, or communities.

There is even a country club setting. My favorite so far other then the Ottoman style historical districts have been the Anatolian ones. They are more residential and therefore they feel more private, peaceful, and relaxed. It was like being in the country. Picture the drive from Eugene to Bend. That was what it was like going to the castle. not many houses, small villages and lots of vegetation. Well this blog was nice, short and sweet, sorry if it was a little boring but I dont have any fun facts about this castle. It was mostly to show everyone some photos.

PS just an FYI but I am almost at my 100th blog!!!