BERDE (BERZA’A) A CITY OF CIVILISATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Abstract

The city has been the most important symbol of merciless struggle against nature in mankind history since people started to live together. Cities, as places, have been one of the most important indicators of civilizations where humans have fulfilled their needs and relationships. In the Middle Ages many new cities either newly established or developed with their own structures. A new city was founded onto the core city or around it. These cities including fairs, bazaars, places for the craftsmen became the centers of important economic activities. The city of Berde had already been a miniature and mirror of Sassanians and subsequently became a miniature and mirror of Ottoman governments. Berde was one of the important centers in terms of strategic and economic position particularly silk production. Berde has never lost its importance until Russian invasion and then Mongolian invasion. The investigation of this city which was displayed in the Middle Ages historical sources in a position of east-west route was conducted by means of literature review. The geographical position, political and cultural activities, economic status of this city were investigated and its contributions to the history of civilization were examined.

Keywords

• Barda
• Tartar Water
• City
• The Middle Ages