# Bolaman Castle

- **Country:** Turkey
- **Coordinates:** 41.035750, 37.591528
- **Location Text:** Ordu Province

Bolaman Castle, known locally as Bolaman Kalesi, is a historic fortification situated on a rocky, pointed peninsula overlooking the Black Sea coast. Located approximately four kilometers east of Fatsa in Ordu Province, Turkey, the site offers strategic views of the surrounding waters. While the exact construction date remains unknown, historians believe the original structure was erected by the Kingdom of Pontus to serve as a defensive fortress and watchtower. The castle's enduring walls are constructed from ashlar masonry and feature both inner and outer perimeters guarded by watchtowers. Within the courtyard lies a chapel built in the architectural style of a basilica, highlighting the site's long-standing religious and military significance.

A unique layer of history was added in the 18th century when a local family constructed the Kademoğlu Mansion within the inner castle grounds. This wooden structure, characterized by large bay windows at either end, stands as a prime example of traditional Ottoman architecture and has become a landmark for the town of Fatsa. Following an extensive restoration project completed in 2009 by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the mansion was repurposed to serve modern visitors while preserving its heritage.

Today, the restored complex operates under the name Haznedaroğlu Mansion and is fully open to the public. It functions dually as an ethnographic museum showcasing regional culture and as a restaurant serving local cuisine. This adaptive reuse has transformed the ancient site into a vibrant cultural hub where visitors can experience both the ancient ruins of the Pontic era and the refined domestic architecture of the Ottoman period. The castle remains in excellent condition, standing as a testament to the diverse historical layers of the Black Sea region.

![Photo of Bolaman Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Hazinedaro%C4%9Flu%20Mansion%2C%20Fatsa.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolaman_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)