Bolaman Castle, Medieval fortress in Bolaman, Turkey
Bolaman Castle is a medieval fortress that extends on a rocky promontory into the Black Sea with defensive walls protecting its perimeter. The stone structure rises prominently from the coastline, with particularly thick walls on its southern side facing the water.
The fortress was built in the 13th century and later underwent changes under different rulers including Byzantine and Ottoman administrations. These modifications show how the region changed hands and different powers adapted the structure to their needs.
The fortress complex contains a church with a pentagonal apse, showing architectural influences from the different Mediterranean powers that ruled this region over time. You can see how these various rulers left their mark on the buildings and structures.
The site is open for visitors to explore the preserved walls and structures, though you should wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing on uneven ground. Being perched on a promontory means you get views of the sea from the walls, but be prepared for coastal wind and weather.
The inner castle walls serve as the foundation for the Hazinedaroglu Mansion, built in the early 19th century on top of them. This later construction shows how the fortress's surviving stones were repurposed for residential architecture centuries after the castle lost its military function.
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