Anadolu Kavağı is a neighborhood at the northern end of the Bosphorus in the Beykoz district of Istanbul. “Anadolu” is the Turkish name for Anatolia, and “kaval” means “checkpoint” in Ottoman Turkish, indicating the strategic importance of its location.
It is located directly opposite Rumeli Kavağı, a Greek walled fortress on the other side of the Bosphorus.
It was claimed that in the past, some villagers lit fires to disorient ships and trap them in the narrow strait so they could seize their cargo. Others claim that Anadolu Kavağı served as a haven where merchant ships could shelter from storms.
Once a fishing village, it retains a village atmosphere and has many fish restaurants serving lunch for passengers on the longer Bosphorus cruises that usually end here.
Although there are few permanent residents, military personnel at nearby bases contribute to a total population of about 2,000.
The most important historical buildings in the village are the small mosque built by Ali Pasha of Midilli (Lesbos) in 1593 and the fountain built by Cevriye Hatun in 1785.
Ruinous Yoros Castle, an old Genoese fortress, stands on a hill above Anadolu Kavağı. From its walls, there are nice views of the Third Bridge across the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
