The world heritage Land Walls of Istanbul are being revitalized thanks to the meticulous work of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Urban History and Promotion’s İBB Heritage teams. Belgradkapı, one of the significant stops along this ancient structure, has been transformed into a new living space following its recent restoration. The Belgradkapı Library has also been established within this area.

The Istanbul Land Walls were built in the 5th century AD during the reign of Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II. After remaining idle for many years, these walls began undergoing their greatest transformation in history with a comprehensive restoration process initiated in 2020. Today, the Land Walls are becoming not only a historical heritage site but also a candidate to be a global tourism destination and a vibrant part of urban life.

After the completion of restoration work at Mevlanakapı Police Station, the projects in Belgradkapı have also been finalized. As part of the 7.2 km-long stretch of the Land Walls, Belgradkapı has been redesigned with landscaping that respects the historic fabric, enabling it to host a variety of activities—from concerts and talks to film screenings and cultural events.

The Belgradkapı Visitor Center is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

About the History of Belgradkapı

Belgradkapı, one of the main gates, is located between towers number 22 and 23 near Yedikule. In Eastern Roman sources, it is referred to as the “Xylokerkos Gate,” meaning “wooden circus.” Before the construction of the Golden Gate on the Theodosian wall, Belgradkapı is believed to have been the most important entrance.

After the conquest of Istanbul, the gate—then known as the “Closed Gate”—was reportedly kept closed for most of the Ottoman period. In 1886, the gate was reopened and named “Belgradkapı” (Belgrade Gate), partially to enable access to the Balıklı Greek Hospital. Some sources say the name Belgradkapı comes from the neighborhood formed behind the gate or after people from Belgrade were settled here following the conquest of Belgrade in the 16th century.

Like the rest of the walls, Belgradkapı suffered damage in various earthquakes. It is known that the upper parts of the towers collapsed during the 1894 earthquake. By 1969, the gate towers no longer had roofs, and the towers were partially destroyed up to halfway. The gate underwent its latest restoration between 1986 and 1987 through a partnership between the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Taç Foundation.