Castles of the Black Sea
29/08/2023
Castles of the Black Sea: The Stone Witnesses of the Black Sea, Guardians of the Foggy Mountains
Trabzon Castle
Trabzon Castle is a captivating structure built during the Eastern Roman Empire to protect the city's strategic position. It boasts a rich history dating back to the 4th century BC. It consists of three main sections: Inner Castle, Middle Castle, and Outer Castle. The Inner Castle is situated at the highest point, while the Middle Castle was used for defensive purposes, and the Outer Castle was designed to protect against threats from the sea. It offers an unforgettable experience to visitors with its historical texture and breathtaking views. It's possible to follow the historical traces and observe the panoramic view of the Black Sea. Trabzon Castle is an essential tourist destination for those who want to explore the city's rich history.
Zilkale
Perched on a natural rock formation, Zilkale is a mesmerizing structure with an impressive appearance. The castle offers a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys and natural beauty. Built in the Middle Ages, Zilkale played a significant role in controlling the region due to its strategic location.
The name "Zilkale" refers to the echoing of the word "zil," which relates to the unique rock formation on which the castle was constructed. Built on high and steep cliffs, this castle was used in the past to control trade routes in the region.
Amasra Castle
Used for strategic purposes since ancient times, Amasra Castle has been influenced by different civilizations such as Byzantium, Genoese, and the Ottoman Empire, undergoing various repairs over time. The complex consists of two separate castles, named Hisar and İçkale.
While the history of Amasra Castle dates back to ancient Greek times, its current form is largely attributed to the Byzantine and Genoese periods. Hisar and İçkale, surrounded by narrow and high walls, form a strategic defense point against threats from the sea. Within the castle, remnants of Byzantine-era churches, cisterns, and other structures can be seen. Additionally, it's possible to enjoy the splendid sea view of Amasra from the castle's summit.
Sinop Castle
Similar to Amasra Castle, Sinop Castle has been used for strategic purposes since ancient times. It has evolved under the influence of various civilizations, including Byzantium, Genoese, and the Ottoman Empire, and has been reconstructed during different periods. The castle's construction materials, such as stone and brickwork, carry the traces of these different eras. The historical structures within the castle reflect various architectural types, including Byzantine churches, cisterns, and military buildings.
Due to its strategic location against threats from the sea, Sinop Castle has been used both for defense and as a prison. Furthermore, the renowned Turkish seafarer Piri Reis mentions Sinop Castle in one of his works "Kitab-ı Bahriye."
Giresun Castle
Giresun Castle, used for strategic purposes since ancient times, stands impressively on a rocky hill rising from the sea. The castle's history is believed to extend to the Roman era, and it held strategic significance during the Byzantine and subsequently the Trabzon Empire. The castle was fortified with walls, defense towers, and used for protecting the city against threats from the sea.
One of the most well-known features of Giresun Castle is the Aynalı Cave within it. Aynalı Cave is a large natural cave formation containing stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also associated with the legendary woman of Giresun, "Giresunlu Derya."
Tokat Castle
Rising in the center of Tokat province, Tokat Castle is a structure of historical and cultural significance. While its exact historical origins are uncertain, it is believed to date back to the Byzantine, Roman, and Seljuk periods. Over the course of history, the castle has carried the marks of various civilizations. Its strategic location facilitated the control of the city. The castle complex offers a rich ensemble of walls, towers, and interior spaces.
Within the castle, there used to be palaces, mosques, storage areas, and cisterns. Today, some parts of Tokat Castle have been restored and opened to visitors. Thanks to its historical ambiance and dominant position over the city, the castle proudly maintains its status as an important historical and tourist destination of Tokat.
Amasya Castle
With a history dating back thousands of years, Amasya Castle has been influenced by various civilizations, including Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. The castle is situated strategically, commanding both sides of the Yeşilırmak River, and as such, it has played a crucial role in the defense and control of the city. Within Amasya Castle, there are historical houses, mosques, baths, and cisterns.
One of the most remarkable features of Amasya Castle is the "Royal Rock Tombs," also known as rock-cut tombs. These tombs are chambers carved into the rock surface, dating back to the Persian Empire era, signifying the historical significance of the city. Additionally, the Inner Castle, located at one of the high points of Amasya Castle, offers a panoramic viewpoint of the region.
The historical and natural beauties of these enchanting castles offer an unforgettable experience to visitors. These structures, bearing the traces of different civilizations, are indispensable destinations for those seeking to understand the rich history of the Black Sea region while embarking on a journey accompanied by magnificent views.
Sinop Castle
Similar to Amasra Castle, Sinop Castle has been used for strategic purposes since ancient times. It has evolved under the influence of various civilizations, including Byzantium, Genoese, and the Ottoman Empire, and has been reconstructed during different periods. The castle's construction materials, such as stone and brickwork, carry the traces of these different eras. The historical structures within the castle reflect various architectural types, including Byzantine churches, cisterns, and military buildings.
Due to its strategic location against threats from the sea, Sinop Castle has been used both for defense and as a prison. Furthermore, the renowned Turkish seafarer Piri Reis mentions Sinop Castle in one of his works "Kitab-ı Bahriye."
Giresun Castle
Giresun Castle, used for strategic purposes since ancient times, stands impressively on a rocky hill rising from the sea. The castle's history is believed to extend to the Roman era, and it held strategic significance during the Byzantine and subsequently the Trabzon Empire. The castle was fortified with walls, defense towers, and used for protecting the city against threats from the sea.
One of the most well-known features of Giresun Castle is the Aynalı Cave within it. Aynalı Cave is a large natural cave formation containing stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also associated with the legendary woman of Giresun, "Giresunlu Derya."
Tokat Castle
Rising in the center of Tokat province, Tokat Castle is a structure of historical and cultural significance. While its exact historical origins are uncertain, it is believed to date back to the Byzantine, Roman, and Seljuk periods. Over the course of history, the castle has carried the marks of various civilizations. Its strategic location facilitated the control of the city. The castle complex offers a rich ensemble of walls, towers, and interior spaces.
Within the castle, there used to be palaces, mosques, storage areas, and cisterns. Today, some parts of Tokat Castle have been restored and opened to visitors. Thanks to its historical ambiance and dominant position over the city, the castle proudly maintains its status as an important historical and tourist destination of Tokat.
Amasya Castle
With a history dating back thousands of years, Amasya Castle has been influenced by various civilizations, including Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. The castle is situated strategically, commanding both sides of the Yeşilırmak River, and as such, it has played a crucial role in the defense and control of the city. Within Amasya Castle, there are historical houses, mosques, baths, and cisterns.
One of the most remarkable features of Amasya Castle is the "Royal Rock Tombs," also known as rock-cut tombs. These tombs are chambers carved into the rock surface, dating back to the Persian Empire era, signifying the historical significance of the city. Additionally, the Inner Castle, located at one of the high points of Amasya Castle, offers a panoramic viewpoint of the region.
The historical and natural beauties of these enchanting castles offer an unforgettable experience to visitors. These structures, bearing the traces of different civilizations, are indispensable destinations for those seeking to understand the rich history of the Black Sea region while embarking on a journey accompanied by magnificent views.
