İzmir Sancak Kale with its History and Architecture in Light of Written and Visual Documents

Abstract

The Sancak Cape Fortress, built at the entrance and narrowest point of the Gulf of Izmir, occupied a pivotal position due to the shallows created by the delta formed by the Gediz River flowing opposite it. As Izmir became a significant commercial hub from the 17th century onwards, attracting Western merchants, the fortress played a crucial role in ensuring tax regulation and military security. However, the date, reason, and process of the fortress’s construction remain uncertain. Located within the boundaries of a military zone in the Inciraltı district of Izmir, the current state of Sancak Fortress, and its connection to its historical past, has been a frequent subject of debate among researchers interested in the history and architecture of Izmir.

Despite these discussions, the absence of an inscription has led to conflicting accounts regarding the fortress’s construction date. While its current architecture resembles a bastion, the story of the architectural transformation it underwent-likely through extensive repairs that amounted to a near-complete reconstruction-remains unknown.

In this study, initial findings that aim to clarify these uncertainties have been derived from historical accounts written by travelers documenting the history of Izmir, as well as from archival records. These written sources are supported by engravings and paintings depicting the fortress, as well as by plans drawn by both local and foreign cartographers, which are preserved in archives and museums. Through the combination of these historical records and the inclusion of contemporary aerial photographs, the study seeks to uncover not only the historical narrative of the fortress but also its lesser-known architectural evolution.