Turkey - Ada Kaleh
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Turkey - 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: 1902
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11580467
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Austria Danube Flooded Free Hungarian Hungary Kaleh Orsova Submerged 1902 Ottoman
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Dawn of Change - The Sunken Heritage of Ada Kaleh, Turkey 2. Subtitle: A Journey Through Time - From a Free Port to an Underwater Ruin 3. In the heart of the Danube River, nestled between Romania and Bulgaria, lies the enigmatic story of Ada Kaleh, a once-thriving Turkish island that has been submerged underwater since 1970. This evocative image, captured in 1902, provides a glimpse into the rich history of this fascinating place, which was known as a free port and a notorious smugglers' nest during the Ottoman Empire. 4. Ada Kaleh, meaning "island castle" in Turkish, was a significant cultural and economic hub for centuries. Situated just three kilometres from Orsova, the island was controlled by Austria-Hungary, making it exempt from taxes and customs, attracting a diverse population of around 600-1000 inhabitants. 5. The island's strategic location on the Danube River made it a valuable asset, with its residents engaging in various trades and businesses, including agriculture, fishing, and smuggling. The Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region for centuries, allowed the island to maintain its autonomy, fostering a unique blend of Turkish, Austrian, and Hungarian influences. 6. However, as the 20th century dawned, progress and development began to encroach upon the tranquil waters of the Danube. The construction of a hydro-electric station in 1970 marked the end of an era for Ada Kaleh. The island, along with its rich history, was submerged underwater, leaving only memories and stories to be passed down through generations. 7. Today, the ruins of Ada Kaleh serve as a poignant reminder of the past, offering a glimpse into a time when the Danube River was a lifeline for the people who lived along its banks. This image, taken over a century ago, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that once thrived on the enchanting island of Ada Kaleh.
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