User:DDima/Sandbox/Crimean architecture



Crimean architecture refers to the motives and styles that are used in structures built on the Crimean peninsula of southern Ukraine. Crimean architecture can typically incorporate such styles which are found in more warmer climates in contrast to Ukrainian architecture, which is primarily provided by Crimea's position on the shore of the Black Sea.

Although Crimea has been historically the homeland of the Crimean Tatars, its architecture isn't limited to traditional Tatar styles. Numerous landmarks were built during times when Crimea was part of the Russian Empire, including the Russian Tsar's residential palaces of Massandra and Livadia, the Vorontsovsky Palace, Neo-Gothic constructions such as the Swallow's Nest, among many others.

Pre-Tatar constructions have existed in numerous cities throughout Crimea, most notably in Sudak, whose Genoese fortress was an important Italian trading center on the Black Sea being a part of the Silk Route. The Ancient Greek colony of Chersonesos near the city of Sevastopol dates back to the 6th century BC, now consisting of ancient ruins, although more excavations are being conducted.

The most famous of all the Crimean Tatar constructions is the Bağçasaray Palace, once the seat of residence of the Crimean Khan. The Çufut Qale fortress is another famous visitor attraction, which written records date back to the late 13th century, although human presence in the region dates back to the Mesolithic period. Examples of Tatar mosques include the Juma-Jami Mosque near Yevpatoriya, built in the 16th century. The Yenikale fortress near Kerch is another important attraction, being built by Ottoman Turks in the 17th century.