Phare de l'île de Kefken, phare turc
The lighthouse on Kefken Island is a simple structure about 10 meters tall that helps ships navigate safely past the rocky Black Sea coast. The island itself features rough stone formations scattered with fragments of fortress walls, water cisterns, and remains of an old fortification system that once protected the area.
The island was known in ancient times by different names including Thynias and Apollonia, and served as an important trading post on Black Sea trade routes. In the Middle Ages, the Genoese built fortress walls on the northern side to protect their trading interests while the island continued to serve sailors and merchants as a strategic stopping point.
The island's name derives from its ancient roots and reflects the many cultures that have crossed through it over centuries. Today, local fishermen use the waters around it, and the lighthouse remains a symbol of how maritime communities have stayed connected to this place.
Reaching the island requires a short boat ride from a nearby beach, a calm and straightforward journey. Wear comfortable shoes since the rocky paths are uneven, and bring water and snacks along as there are no shops or restaurants on the island.
The island held connections to prominent figures in Roman history, including an empress from that era. This royal link remains largely unknown to visitors today, adding hidden historical depth to this modest place.
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