Turkey: Kilitbahir Fortress
The Kilitbahir Fortress is an absolute jewel of Islamic Architecture. It was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452, and then Suleyman the Magnificent added the interior tower in the 16th century (another fortress stands at the opposing side in Canakkale, thus protecting and controlling the waterway. Kilitbahir’s name literally means “lock of the sea”. The fortress is built like a clover leaf, with three circular interconnected towers, protecting the central keep, and then additionally surrounded by turreted walls. The views out to see are spectaculars. And once again – zero tourists.
