Kuşadası has three gates built during the Christian era. These gates are quite sturdily reinforced and have a square plan. Of these gates, only the south castle gate has survived to the present day. The other two gates were demolished by the Kuşadası Municipality because they had suffered significant damage over time, posed a danger, and obstructed vehicle traffic in the market area.

Now, only the south-facing castle gate remains. This gate is located at the intersection of the Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai and Kuşadası Health Street, almost at the busiest point in Kuşadası. According to a belief, whoever passes under this castle gate and drinks from its flowing water is considered a resident of Kuşadası. The fact that a fountain was built immediately to the left of the gate after its restoration and use as a wall shows that this belief still holds sway among the people of Kuşadası.

During the Ottoman period, it was reinforced with a very strong cement mortar. This wall, which was crossed many times during this period, was also touched by the same hands as the caravanserai. The 17th-century Grand Vizier Mehmet Pasha had this gate covered with mortar made of brick and lime, as seen in the Caravanserai. Because it underwent many changes, especially during this period, the gate has not been able to preserve its original form. In 1916, only Turks lived within the castle walls. However, Greeks and Armenians also lived and worked in Kuşadası.

However, the gate marked the boundary. It was strictly forbidden for these minority Greek and Armenian groups to enter the castle walls beyond the gate. At night, the gendarmerie would stand guard at the gate. In the old days, the castle gate served as a police station. Since the castle gate is located in the center of Kuşadası, it is easily accessible from everywhere. All minibuses stop at the center, making it convenient to reach.
The area around the castle gate is home to many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Especially on summer nights, it’s one of the city’s busiest streets, perhaps even the liveliest. The lower surface of the gate is now used as a display area for jewelry. After passing through the gate, this street, lined with shopkeepers, best preserves the spirit of old Kuşadası. And everyone feels this warmth, thanks to the castle gate standing there.