Abstract:

The past of historical road that connects Constantinople to interior of Anatolia and called “The Road of Baghdad” during the Ottoman period, dates back to Roman times. On this important road that was used by the military, commercial caravans and other passengers, there were large and small settlements, castles, range khans, social structures, summer palaces and villas. This road starts from Khrysopolis (Üsküdar), passes from Khalkedon (Kadıköy) and goes in parallel to the northern shore of the Propontis (Sea of Marmara). It was passing from Ruphinianus (Caddebostan) that was developed around a summer palace and Poleatikon (Bostancı). Later, passing near from the complex building that is defined as “Palace of Brias” (probably Monastery of Satyros), there were on the route: Kartalimen (Kartal), Panteikhion (Pendik), Kosilaos (Kaynarca), Akritas (Tuzla). Afterward, there were three fortifications that provided security around this road: Philokrene (Bayramoğlu), Ritzion (Darıca) and Eskihisar (Niketiaton?) at the seaside of Dakibyza (Gebze). Further to the east, Aioialoi that was situated at the seaside of Libyssa town was an important pier to cross the shore. After, Kharaks (Hereke) that has a castle and Brunga (Yarımca) that is resort town was reached to Nikomedia (İzmit). After this, the main road went on different directions.

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