On the Way to the Crimea and from the Crimea. Or-Kapu (Perekop): introduction to the historical topography of the Crimean Khanate town

Abstract

The article reveals the main points of the historical topography of the Crimean Khanate town – Or-Kapu, and most importantly, proposed a graphic reconstruction of its general plan for the third quarter of the 18th century, the final stage of the existence of this state. The reconstruction of the historical topography of the late medieval town is based on three main categories of sources – written, cartographic and archaeological. All basic elements of the historical topography of the late medieval town and building inside the stone fortress are recreated by the author. The plan of town’s quarters and streets was reconstructed. Three town mosques, a bath-house, eight wells that supplied people with water, one hotel – a caravanserai, rows of stalls, and a cemetery were localized. It has been possible to determine that it was the smallest settlement in the state. By the final stage of the existence of the Crimean Khanate, the urban area of Or-Kapu was about 19.3 hectares, the town cemetery was about 5.0 hectares.

Keywords

• archaeology
• historical topography
• the crimean peninsula
• the cities/towns of the crimean khanate
• or-kapu
• perekop
• an overall plan
• mosque