Genoa Castle (Amasra Castle)

“Genoa Castle” or more commonly known as “Genoese (Genoa) Castle” The expression, throughout history Genoese (Republic of Genoa) It is used for the castles/fortifications they built or strengthened in the trade colonies around the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Located in the Kaleiçi neighborhood of Amasra Genoa Castle It looks like a ruin. The castle was actively used in the early years of the Ottoman period (when the Genoese and the Ottomans were on good terms).

These castles are sometimes present Genoese additions to Roman or Byzantine ruins It was built and sometimes it was built from scratch. Therefore, the term “Genoa Castle” does not refer to a single castle, but to the general name of various defensive structures attributed to the Genoese.

Who are the Genoese?

• Genoesewas a maritime republic centered on the city of Genoa (Genova) in northwestern Italy.
  11. They played an important role in maritime trade in the Mediterranean from the 13th to the 15th centuries and were a major trade and sea power they reached.

Thanks to the agreements they made with different political powers in Anatolia, especially the Byzantine Empire. They established trade lines extending to the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. To protect and expand these lines, they built castles, walls and towers in strategic port cities.

Construction Periods of Genoese Castles (Genoa Castles)

Late Byzantine Period (from the beginning of the 13th century)

• • As Byzantium weakened after the Fourth Crusade (1204), the Genoese seized the opportunity to expand into the Black Sea.
  • In 1261, the Byzantine Emperor VIII. Michael Palaiologos Treaty of Nymphaion Thanks to the Treaty of Ninfeyon, the Genoese gained the right to establish trade colonies in the Black Sea and build fortifications there.

The Genoese Colonial Period between the 13th and 15th centuries

• • Galata (Istanbul) especially on the Black Sea coast Amasra, Sinop, Samsun, Trabzon, Rize and even in some regions in the Aegean (Foca etc.) Genoese castles or fortifications were built or existing structures were strengthened.
  • These structures were built to secure the Genoese trade routes and customs-control points It was designed as raised walls, observation towers and defensive moats to create a defensive structure.

Ottoman Period (15th century and later)

• • As the Black Sea coast and Istanbul were conquered by the Ottomans, the Genoese castles came under Ottoman rule.
  • Many of them were repaired or architectural additions were made as they were used for defense purposes during the Ottoman period. Some of the castles we see today contain both Genoese and Ottoman traces.

Example Castles

• Amasra Castle (Bartin)Its foundations were laid in the Roman period, and its walls were expanded during the Byzantine and especially Genoese periods.
• Galata Walls (Istanbul)The walls surrounding the Genoese colony of Galata (Pera) in Istanbul were built by the Genoese in the 14th century.
• Sinop Castle (Sinop)Some parts of the castle, which dates back to ancient times, were repaired and strengthened by the Genoese.
• Şile Castle (northeast of Istanbul)Although it is essentially a Byzantine structure, the Genoese undertook repairs in the 14th century because they used the castle due to its strategic location.
• Foca Castle (Izmir)Although the first walls date back to the 7th century Byzantine period, the Genoese made important repairs and additions in the 13th century.

In summary

• Genoa Castle / Genoese Castle The expression is not a single structure, but from the 13th to the 15th century The Genoese built defensive forts on the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts. or includes works they have done to repair existing castles.
• These structures are mostly medieval (late Byzantine period) and early ottoman period It is dated between.
• Today, it is still possible to see traces of these castles in Turkey and in many regions where former Genoese colonies are located (Crimea, Greek islands, etc.).

Therefore, the answer to the question "What is the Genoa Castle and in what periods was it built?" short answer"Genoa Castle (Genoese Castle) is a defensive structure built or repaired by the Republic of Genoa in the Middle Ages, especially between the 13th and 15th centuries, to protect trade routes along the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts." can be summarized as follows.

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