Or Qapi

Or Qapi (also seen as “Or-Qapi” or “Ur Qapi”) is a historical fortified gate located in the northern part of Crimea, near the modern-day city of Armyansk. Its name translates roughly to "Trench Gate" or "Moat Gate" from Crimean Tatar, referencing the defensive earthworks and trenches that surrounded it.

Historically, Or Qapi served as a crucial strategic point controlling access to the Crimean Peninsula. It marked the border between the Crimean Khanate and the lands to the north, including the Zaporozhian Cossacks and later the Russian Empire. The gate was heavily fortified and was the site of numerous battles and sieges throughout its history.

The fortifications at Or Qapi were complex and evolved over time. They typically included a deep moat, high earthen ramparts, and fortified towers. These defenses were designed to repel attacks from the north, particularly from cavalry and infantry. The effectiveness of Or Qapi as a defensive barrier played a significant role in the history of the Crimean Khanate and its interactions with its neighbors.

While little remains of the original fortifications today, the location retains historical significance as a symbol of Crimea's tumultuous past and its position as a contested border region. Archaeological investigations continue to shed light on the history and structure of the fortifications at Or Qapi.