Castle Gate

CASTLE GATE (Main Gate)
Located between Sorgagir Castle and Zindan Castle, at the only crossing point between Boztepe Island and Amasra Mainland, the Castle Gate is quite remarkable in that it houses many of the historical defense systems.

Location and General Features

• Location: It is on the narrow passage connecting Boztepe Island and Amasra center.
• ImportanceDue to its strategic location, it was designed to control the entrance and exit to the city and strengthen the defense.
• Defense Systems:
  • Archer Slots (Arrow Loops)
  • Fortification Supports
  • Sliding Iron Gate (Portcullis)
  • Winged Interior and Exterior Wooden Doors

There is also an internal staircase inside the gate to reach the observation balcony above (a section used for defensive purposes). Below, you can examine these defensive and architectural elements that make up the Castle Gate.

1. Archer Slots (Arrow Loops)

Archer slotsThey are narrow openings that allow archers defending the gate to shoot arrows while protecting themselves from attacks from outside. General features:

• Vertical design: Increases the interior defender's mobility and provides a wider field of view when shooting.
• Inclined interior walls: Allows the archer to change both height and direction; thus increasing defensive capacity.
• Armor effect: Reduces the chance of attackers harming the archer and increases the defensive power of the fortification.

2. Sliding Iron Gate (Portcullis)

Portcullis, is a heavy, vertically working door system made of wood and/or metal grilles, frequently seen in medieval castles. Although the portcullis on the Castle Gate has not survived to the present day:

• Sill GapTraces of the specially made recess in the wall so that the door could be opened and closed by sliding from top to bottom can still be seen.
• Chain or Rope Anchor PointsThere is also a marble spur on the door, which is thought to have been used to control and keep the door stable.

This system was used to prevent the enemy from entering the castle by quickly closing the gate during siege periods.

3. Winged Interior and Exterior Doors

Two winged doors at the Castle Gate It is understood from the information obtained from the people living in the region and the traces on the door walls that it was located:

• Material and Structure:
  • Double-winged wooden doors.
  • The outside of the door surfaces are covered with metal sheets.
  • It is stated that there are iron spurs on the door to increase its resistance to fire.
• Historical Memories:
  • According to local residents, in the past (especially during the Pontus rebellions) these gates were closed and locked in the evening hours. The entrance of foreigners to the city was restricted in order to prevent incidents such as looting.
• Fortification Channels:
  • Behind the door, there are special channels to which wooden supports used to strengthen the door against siege weapons such as battering rams etc. are fixed.

Additional Information and Observations

• Internal Stairs: It is known that there is a staircase from the inside of the door that allows access to the observation balcony on the upper floor. This balcony is a strategic point used for defense purposes.
• Fire ResistanceCovering wooden doors with metal plates would extend the life of the door and provide extra protection against fire.
• Protection of Historical TextureToday, the gate and the surrounding ruins are a part of Amasra's historical silhouette and attract the attention of local and foreign tourists.

Conclusion

Sormagir Castle Gate (Main Gate), The military and architectural history of Amasra It is an important structure that reflects the city's defense strategy. Built throughout history to ensure the city's security against sieges and attacks, this gate draws attention with its combination of different defense systems (archer slots, portcullis, winged doors). Although most of the gate has been lost to time today, the remaining traces and information provided by the local people bring many details about Amasra's defense strategy to the present day.

History and culture enthusiasts visiting Amasra, Sorgagir Castle, Dungeon Castle and between these two castles Castle GateThey can experience the unique history of the region more closely by visiting the gate. This gate is of great value not only as an entrance point, but also as a concrete proof of medieval defense technologies.