Sinop Castle: A Historic Fortress in Turkey
Visitor Information
Google Rating: 4.4
Popularity: High
Country: Turkey
Civilization: Medieval Islamic, Ottoman
Site type: Military
Remains: Castle
History
Sinop Castle stands on a peninsula in the municipality of Sinop, Turkey, and was originally established by ancient Greek colonists in the 7th century BCE to defend the developing city. While some suggest its beginnings could reach back to the Hittite period, this remains unconfirmed by archaeological records.
During Roman times, particularly under the rule of King Mithridates IV of Pontus in 72 BCE, Sinop experienced significant growth. Mithridates IV enhanced the city’s defenses, adding fortified walls along with important civic structures such as a temple, theater, gymnasium, and palace. These constructions firmly integrated the castle within the urban fabric as a protected hub.
In the Byzantine era, the fortress continued to serve as a critical military and administrative center, although specific developments from this period are less documented. The castle underwent substantial modifications during the Anatolian Seljuk rule, between 1215 and 1218, when Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus ordered repairs and the addition of towers as part of broader strategic enhancements.
The 15th century saw further restoration under the Isfendiyarids in 1434, a local dynasty that controlled the region, followed by the Ottomans who took over in 1451. Each ruling power left inscriptions on the walls naming commanders responsible for repair works, reflecting the continuing military importance of the site.
The Seljuks notably constructed an inner castle portion to better secure the harbor entrance, reinforcing it with towers and strong bastions to improve defense capabilities. Throughout its history, Sinop Castle endured attacks, including multiple raids by Ukrainian Cossack forces, underlining its role in regional conflicts.
In 2013, Sinop Castle was recognized by UNESCO on its Tentative World Heritage List, affirming its cultural and historical significance. Conservation efforts recommenced in 2019 to preserve this longstanding fortification.
Remains
Sinop Castle comprises extensive defensive walls that enclose the old city on the peninsula, measuring roughly 2,050 meters in circumference. These walls rise to about 25 meters in height and are around 3 meters thick, constructed from rubble stone, cut stone, and brick bonded with mortar. Their layout extends approximately 800 meters north, 500 east, 400 south, and 270 west, outlining the fortress’s expansive footprint.
The stronghold is divided into two main sections: an outer castle that encircles the city perimeter and an inner castle divided into northern and southern parts. The southern inner castle, positioned to face the inner harbor, spans about 9,500 square meters, while the larger northern inner castle covers approximately 16,875 square meters. These inner enclosures were integral in controlling access to the port and reinforcing the city’s strategic defense.
Among the castle’s prominent features are its towering bastions, each about 8 meters wide and matching the walls’ 25-meter height to provide formidable defensive positions. The towers between 1215 and 1218 were commissioned by the Seljuk Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus and remain characteristic elements of the fortress’s silhouette.
Access to the castle was originally provided through four main gates; however, Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi later recorded up to six named gates: Kum Gate, Meydan Gate, Shipyard Gate, Janissary Gate, Tanners’ Gate, and Guild Gate. An additional Sea Gate on the outer castle side allowed for maritime entry. All gates featured robust double-winged iron doors, enhancing the fortress’s secure perimeter.
Within the castle walls lies a historic prison, evidencing its multi-functional use as both a military installation and center of local governance. The structure has survived multiple restorations, leaving inscriptions that identify commanders from various eras responsible for its upkeep.
The ongoing preservation efforts reflect the care to maintain the castle’s substantial ruins in situ, preserving this layered record of architectural and military history across centuries.