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Bozcaada Town is centered around a small attractive harbor filled with colorful fishing boats. It’s beautiful from every angle.

 

Harbor

The town hall sits on the north end of the small yet scenic harbor.

Harbor in Bozcaada, Turkey
Harbor
Harbor in Bozcaada, Turkey
Harbor
Harbor in Bozcaada, Turkey
Boats in the Harbor

 

Republic Square

Splitting the town in half is Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı), a small square with a statue of the ubiquitous Atatürk. The rest of the town is divided into two sections from here. To the west is the Greek Quarter to the south is the Turkish Quarter.

Cumhuriyet Meydanı in Bozcaada, Turkey
Republic Square

 

Bozcaada Castle

The biggest attraction in town is the huge castle, Bozcaada Castle (Bozcaada Kalesi). It was built in 1455 after the Ottomans conquered the island, which had been previously deserted by the Venetians. It stands on the site where previous castles used by the Phoenicians, Byzantines, Genoese, and Venetians once stood. The castle is open daily from 10am to 8pm.

Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Bozcaada Castle
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Bozcaada Castle

The castle, almost completely rebuilt in 1815, is the best preserved Ottoman castle in Turkey.

Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Entrance to Bozcaada Castle
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Bozcaada Castle
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Bozcaada Castle
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
A door at Bozcaada Castle

Climb up to the top and you’ll have great views of the citadel and the town.

Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Citadel
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Citadel
View from Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
View from Bozcaada Castle

While exploring the citadel, you’ll be able to find some old Ottoman cannons and other artifacts. Structures included an arsenal, mosque, infirmary, and cisterns.

Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Citadel
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Citadel
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
A structure in the citadel
Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Citadel
Ottoman cannons at Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Ottoman cannons

There are also a few old Greek tombstones on display. They were rescued from the dilapidated Greek cemetery.

Greek tombstone at Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Greek tombstone
Greek tombstone at Bozcaada Kalesi in Bozcaada, Turkey
Greek tombstone

 

New Castle

On top of the hill overlooking Bozcaada Town is the remains of New Castle (Yeni Kale). It was built in 1827 and lies in ruins today. I was too lazy to walk up to it but I was told the views of the town from the ruins are incredible.

Yeni Kale in Bozcaada, Turkey
New Castle
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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