Karaka fort, Military fort at La Goulette, Tunisia
Karaka fort is a stone fortification at the southern entrance of La Goulette with thick walls oriented toward the Mediterranean Sea. The structure covers a large area and displays classic defensive features from its period of construction.
The fort was built in 1535 by Spanish forces under Charles V, replacing an earlier observation tower at this strategic coastal location. Later, Ottoman forces took control and made significant modifications that altered its use and function.
The name Karaka comes from local Arabic and refers to prisoners who worked as rowers because the fort stood near the harbor.
The site currently requires extensive restoration work, which restricts access for safety reasons. Visitors should check current conditions in advance, as structural reinforcement work is ongoing.
The fort served simultaneously as a military fortification and a specialized prison for maritime use, where inmates were assigned to labor on ships. This dual purpose made it an unusual structure along the coast.
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