Drone video gives bird's-eye view of Turkey's ancient coastal castles

VARIOUS LOCATIONS, TURKEY - RECENT, AUGUST 12-17: Turkey's ancient coastal castles from the Seljuk, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Medieval eras remain big attractions for both domestic and foreign tourists. Built-in strategic locations along Turkey's coast they were mainly built in defensive locations best suited to repel invaders from the sea. Cesme Castle was originally built by the Genoese in the 15th century to protect maritime trade between the Cesme district of Izmir and Chios Island. It was enlarged during the reign of Sultan Beyazid II and became an Ottoman castle after additions and repairs. Construction of Bodrum Castle started in 1415 and was completed in 1523. It was a military base until 1895. Bodrum Castle, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, also has an underwater museum. Kilitbahir Castle was built on the European side of the Dardanelles by Sultan Mehmed, the Conqueror, to prevent European states from helping the Byzantine empire during the siege of Istanbul in 1452. Babakale Castle in Canakkale is located on the most western point of Anatolia. The castle served as a major base for the Ottoman navy. Ayas Castle in the ancient city of Ayas in the Yumurtalik district of Adana province is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the region. The historic castle, whose construction dates back to the era of Alexander the Great, was built as an army base. Maiden's Castle was built on the islet in 1199. It is the best-known structure in the ancient city of Korykos and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Filyos Castle in northern Zonguldak province is thought to have been built by the Romans. The Anatolian fortress was built by Ottoman Sultan Yildirim Beyazid on 7,000 square meters in Anadoluhisari neighborhood where the Goksu stream pours into the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Yoros Castle, from the Byzantium era, attracts visitors because of its spectacular views of the Bosphorus. (Footage by Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)