Fortress of Jikha, Medieval fort in Pazar, Turkey
The Fortress of Jikha sits on high ground with thick stone walls and several towers that look out over the landscape of northeastern Turkey. The structure is built from massive stones arranged in a way that shows it was designed for defense, with key positions placed at the highest points.
This fortress was built during medieval times as a strategic military position to control trade routes between the Black Sea coast and inland regions. Over the centuries it remained an important defensive structure as different powers controlled the area.
Local people call this fortress Ciha Kalesi in Turkish and გულთვათის ციხე in Georgian, showing how different groups have lived in this border region. The two names reflect the shared history of communities who have called this place home.
You can reach the fortress by following marked paths from the town center of Pazar, with the best light and clearest views in the morning hours. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven ground on the way up and bring water with you, especially when visiting during warmer months.
Hidden inside are underground chambers and passages that connected different parts of the fortification system. These secret spaces provided shelter and defense routes that show how carefully the structure was planned.
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