Historic Building

Şile Kalesi

Province

İstanbul

District / Neighborhood

Şile

Venue type

Historic Building

Description

Şile has four castles. The best known is the Byzantine Şile Kalesi, also called Ocaklı Ada Kalesi, located on Ocaklı Ada in the harbor. With a silhouette that distinguishes it from other castles, Şile Kalesi is one of Şile's defining landmarks. Built using limestone from the island's surface, it is 12 meters high. It was built to withstand attacks from the sea. Contrary to initial assumptions, it was built as a watchtower rather than an offensive fortress. Examination of its 4-story structure shows that the lowest level housed a storeroom and the other floors could accommodate approximately 20 soldiers. The castle was repaired twice over the centuries, first by the Byzantines and then by the Ottomans, so it could continue to serve as a lookout. However, rumors of treasure led to an invasion by treasure hunters…

Required documents

Petition, Filming plan and crew/vehicle list