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Viewing Discovering Akkerman (Ackerman) in Ukraine - a Travel GuideDiscovering Akkerman (Ackerman) in Ukraine - a Travel Guide
By dompavlov
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Akkerman (Tyras or Belgorod-Dnestrovskiy) is the most ancient town in Ukraine at more than 2500 years old. It is a well-known travel attraction in Ukraine. This article explains the history of this fascinating area. Ninety km from Odessa and 18 km from the Black Sea, you can find a city that is more than 2500 years old. It is Belgorod-Dnestrovskiy. (The old name is Akkerman or Ackerman.) In 600 BC, this was the site of the Greek colony of Tyras. By the 4th century BC, it was a prosperous trading center, which even minted its own coinage. The Getae sacked it in the mid-1st century BC, but it revived. By the early 2nd century AD, it was an important outpost on the frontier of the Roman Empire. In the late 3rd century, the Goths destroyed it. The site was repopulated much later by the Tivertsians and Ulychians and named Belgorod. In 1433-1454, the fortifications were renovated by the Turks. The round towers were connected with high ramparts to form an enclosed citadel with inner courtyards, and the fortress got the name of Akkerman. After 1812, the fortress continued to be one of the strongholds of the south frontier defense system of the Russian Empire for at least 20 more years. The main attraction of Belgorod-Dnestroskiy is the Akkerman Fortress. Akkerman Fortress is the largest monument of Islamic architecture in the northwestern part of the Pontic area, preserved in its most complete condition. The fortress is located on the cape, which is on the right border of the Dniester estuary, 18 km from the Black Sea. It is now the center of the modern town of Belgorod-Dnestrovskiy. From the end of the 15th century up to the end of the 18th century, it was a military and trade outpost of the Ottoman Empire in this region. Ottoman Akkerman follows ancient traditions as a dominant place in the whole Pontic area. Cultural contacts between Europe and Asia were established through nomads and settlement of various peoples followed. The origin of the foundation of the fortress is unknown and some parts of the first fortification can still be found. The fortress consists of four parts. The area of the fortress is 9 hectares and the length of the outer walls is 2 km, with 26 towers. The archaeological investigation of the fortress began at the beginning of the 20th century, but monuments of the Ottoman period were not under special consideration then. Turkish and Ukrainian expeditions excavated the Ottoman monuments in the fortress. Fortifications and weapons found in the fortress reflect its military aspect. Numerous artifacts that have been found point to yet another side: economy, culture, and art. The scientific results of our investigations show the necessity of further complex research into the history and the culture of the Ottoman Empire and medieval Ukraine. Nowadays, the main fortress gates are hospitably opened for tourists who come to Akkerman from the world over. The territory of Akkerman Fortress is divided into several yards: the Southern Yard where during enemy raids the city's population hid themselves, the Northern or Garrison's, and the least preserved Economic Yard, where a minaret remains from the Turkish construction. Next to it is the basement of a Christian temple from the 12-13th Centuries. The most 'photogenic' part of the complex is the Stronghold. This impenetrable fortress within the fortress was built by the Genoese trades people. Their commandant lived there; the military staff and the Turkish vicegerents' harems were to be found here. During the time when Akkerman belonged to the Turks (1484-1812) the Cossacks from Zaporozhye campaigned many times on their renowned boats called 'gulls' to the outpost walls. They say that the stronghold still hides ottoman treasures. Akkerman was visited by the 'father of history' Herodotus, the ancient princes of Kiev Kiy, Igor and Oleg, the poets Pushkin, and Adam Mickiewicz. In 1896 the fortress was named a historical-architectural monument. Some of the more ancient buildings are still standing in the township of Belgorod-Dnestrovskiy. There are the Armenian Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (15-19 Century) and the underground church of Saint John of Sochava (14-19 Century). If you visit the history museum, you will find out more about the traditions and history of this city. About the Author: For Akkerman Tours, Odessa Ukraine Apartments for Rent, or Renting Odessa Apartments, be sure to visit our websites. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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