Tarikhs as Sources on the History of the Ottoman Possessions in the Western Caucasus

Abstract

Tarikhs from several Ottoman fortresses of the Caucasus Black Sea coast (Taman, Temryuk, Sudjuk-kale, Anapa and Suhum-kale), despite their lapidary form, provide information about the history and details of the Ottoman penetration and military presence in the region. According to the account of the Temryuk fortress, construction began in 921 AH (1515–1516) during the reign of Sultan Selim I and was completed in 925 AH during the reign of Sultan Suleiman. This fort was further developed in 983 AH, during the reign of Sultan Murad (1575–1576). Under Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730) a number of new forts were built in the region with the activation of Ottoman policy, such as Sudjuk-kale, Fash and Suhum-kale. The tarikh of Suhum-kale was discovered and translated by A. von Nordmann. Finally, at the end of the eighteenth century, the Ottomans started a new phase of fortress construction by building fortifications of the Anapa fortress.