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The fortified Turkish Island of Ada-Kaleh
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The fortified Turkish Island of Ada-Kaleh
The fortified Turkish Island of Ada-Kaleh, now underwater. Situated on the Danube - submerged in 1970 due to the building of a hydro-electric station. Three kilometres from Orsova. Known as a free port and smugglers nest. Controlled by Austria-Hungary and therefore free from taxes/customs for many years. Population 600-1000 inhabitants. Date: circa 1900
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Danube Defended Fortified Fortress Free Kaleh Minaret Nest Orsova Smugglers Smuggling Turk Under Water Ottoman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. The Sunken Legacy of Ada-Kaleh: A Fortified Turkish Island on the Danube The haunting image of Ada-Kaleh, a once-thriving fortified Turkish island on the Danube River, now lies submerged underwater, a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Located just three kilometres from Orsova, Romania, this island was a unique blend of cultures and history, with a population of approximately 600-1000 inhabitants during the late 1800s. Ada-Kaleh, which translates to 'island fortress' in Turkish, was a significant Ottoman outpost during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its strategic location on the Danube made it a free port, exempt from taxes and customs, making it an attractive hub for trade and smuggling activities. The island's fortifications, dating back to the 16th century, were essential for its defense against various invaders. The minaret, a distinctive feature of the Ottoman architecture, stood tall and proud, serving as a symbol of the island's rich cultural heritage. However, the tranquility of Ada-Kaleh was disrupted in 1970 when the construction of the Iron Gates II hydro-electric station began. The flooding of the area submerged the island, along with several other historical sites, under the waters of the Danube. Despite the island's tragic demise, the memory of Ada-Kaleh lives on, inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity about its fascinating past. This image, taken circa 1900, captures the essence of a time when the island thrived as a cultural melting pot, a defiant symbol of resilience, and a nest of smuggling activities. The waters of the Danube may have claimed the physical island, but its legacy continues to captivate the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and curious travelers alike.
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