Sarymambash-Kermen – a Fortified 14th–15th Century Residence of Yashlavsky-Suleshevy Beks

Abstract

The paper features the results of studying the fortifications of Sarymambash-Kermen fortified settlement in the Crimea. The available data allows to suggest that Sarymambash-Kermen fortified settlement was built by Yashlovsky beks not earlier than the 1360–80s and used as their fortified residence until the first third of the 18th century. The surviving defencive structures indicate that the fortress was designed for protection against the attacks by an enemy who did not possess the means for active fortress attacks. The fortification of this monument – characterized by the absence of towers, a narrow and shallow moat, a thick but low barrier wall, apparently covered from the outside with a stick banister coated with clay – indicates that it could only serve as a defence against swift attacks of the cavalry, but was not intended for long-term defence.

Keywords

• archaeology
• fortified settlement
• Sarymambash-Kermen
• beks
• Yashlavsky
• the Golden Horde
• Crimean Khanate
• residence
• 14th century
• 18th century