# Kız Kulesi

- **Country:** Turkey
- **Location Text:** Rize Province

Kız Kulesi is a medieval castle situated on a small islet approximately one kilometer west of the town center of Pazar in Rize Province, Turkey. Constructed during the 13th or 14th century, the structure dates back to the era of the Empire of Trebizond. While historical analysis by scholar Anthony Bryer attributes its construction to this Byzantine successor state, alternative sources suggest it was built by the Republic of Genoa to serve as a summer residence for the daughter of a Genoese prince. Adding to its rich historical tapestry, local Laz tradition claims the fortress once belonged to Queen Tamar of Georgia, who played a pivotal role in founding the Empire of Trebizond on the Black Sea coast in 1204 following military expeditions in the region.

Architecturally, the castle features a compact tower with an interior floor plan measuring roughly seven by seven meters. Its defensive capabilities are highlighted by substantial walls that are approximately 1.5 meters thick at ground level. The masonry consists of regular courses of rectangular blocks facing both the interior and exterior surfaces, demonstrating skilled construction techniques typical of the period. The main gateway is located on the western wall, providing the primary access point to the fortified islet. This robust design reflects its strategic importance along the coastal trade routes of the Black Sea during the medieval era.

In recent years, the site has undergone restoration efforts, with photographic evidence documenting work carried out around 2013 to preserve the structure. Today, Kız Kulesi stands as a significant historical landmark and tourist attraction within Rize Province. Its enduring presence on the small islet continues to draw visitors interested in the complex history of the Pontus region, the Empire of Trebizond, and the various cultures, including Georgian, Genoese, and local Laz peoples, that have influenced its legacy over the centuries.

![Photo of Kız Kulesi](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Kizkalesi4.jpg)

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