Zilkale
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Zilkale is a medieval castle located in the Fırtına Valley (Turkish: Fırtına Vadisi, meaning "Stormy Valley"), and is one of the most important historical works in the Çamlıhemşin region (40° 55' 0N, 40° 57' 0E) of Rize.[1] The castle is built at an altitude of 750 meters, and sits at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Furtina river approximately 100 meters below. The castle consists of outer walls, middle walls and inner castle.[2] There are guarison quarters, and a possible chapel[3] and head tower. It is believed that the castle was built in 14-15th century.
[edit] Etymology
Zilkale < Zil kale < Turkish zil "bell" + Turkish kale "castle"). [4]
Alternatively
Zilkale < Zir kale < Persian zir "lower" + Turkish kale "castle").[5]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Özhan Öztürk. Karadeniz. Istanbul. 2005 pp. 1209-10
- ^ It was built on the western skirts of Fırtına River (Turkish: Fırtına Deresi, "Storm River"), 15 km south of country center
- ^ According to Anthony Bryer, it is an Armenian chapel and built for Empire of Trebizond for local Lord of Hamshenis, Arhakel. BRYER A. & WINFIELD D. (1985), Byzantine Monuments and Topography of the Pontos. Dumbarton Oaks Center Studies. 2 vol. Washington p. 348
- ^ BRYER A. & WINFIELD D. (1985), Byzantine Monuments and Topography of the Pontos. Dumbarton Oaks Center Studies. 2 vol. Washington.
- ^ Öztürk, Ö. Karadeniz. p. 1210
