Yedikule (Seven Towers) is a neighbourhood in the municipality and district of Fatih, Istanbul Province, Turkey.[1] Its population is 15,789 (2022).[2] It is named after the seven-towered Yedikule Fortress, which surrounds the neighborhood. Urbanized in the 16th century, the neighborhood became a hub for industrial and agricultural activities. Yedikule has a local football team Yedikule GSK [tr] that played in the TFF Second League for a season.[3]
Marmaray passes through the neighbourhood, however Yedikule railway station is closed and the trains do not serve the neighbourhood.
Urbanization of Yedikule started in the 16th century, and it became a major hub for industrial and agricultural activities.[4] Yedikule Walls (also known as Theodosius Walls) are also a notable historical artifact. Its tower, Yedikule Fortress, constructed between 408-450 AD, and repaired after 740 Istanbul earthquake.[5]
Yedikule was known with its gardens, Yedikule Urban Gardens, which was also famous with its cabbages and lettuces and used more than 1500 years.[6] According to the guarantor books of year 1735, there were 344 gardens (including nine gardens which is established between "Surdibi" area, which stretch between Yedikule Gate and Silivri Gate); according to a map from 1835, there were 102 gardens.[6]
Yedikule (with Edirnekapı) also became host for some establishments like slaughterhouses, soap and candle makers, and workshops.[4]
Yedikule became highly populated after the population boom in Istanbul between 1940s-1980s; and as a result of that, the Urban Gardens and industrial areas became residential areas and some parts of Urban Gardens used for build Otoyol 1 and create waste-filling areas in the 1970s. The municipality of İstanbul started a rehabilitation project for remaining parts of Urban Gardens.[7]Ekrem İmamoğlu, as the Mayor of Istanbul, stated that: "I'm ashamed from that the walls (Yedikule Walls) hasn't been toured since years."[8]
Yedikule was including a notable non-Muslim population and schools until the recent times. There is also Greek and Armenian churches and an Armenian hospital, Yedikule Surp Pıgiç Hospital.[10] As of 2022, its population is 15,789.[2]
