Port of Kalpe in the Bithynian region

The ancient port of Kalpe is located in the Black Sea coast of Bithynia (in the Kocaeli Province, Kandira town of Kerpe). "Kalpe Harbour" was initially mentioned in the Anabasis of Xenophon. Today, the blocks of the breakwater construction are distributed in the north end of the Bay of Kerpe and are partially on land being mostly submerged; they are spread over a wide area of approximately 80 m. in length and 36 m. in width. However, five in situ stone blocks rest on the bedrock on the shore; furthermore the breakwater blocks under the sourrounding wall of the modern teahouse on the shore are also in situ. This port in the north-eastern end of the Kerpe bay was constructed in the protruding end of the mainland in northeast - southwest direction. Although not well preserved, in the light of available data the architecture, building techniques and the approximate measures of the port of Kalpe can be calculated. The area of construction and the run of the breakwater was planned to serve the loading and unloading of ancient ships by preventing the prevailing northern winds in the region and offering shelter at the same time. In terms of the period to which it belongs, its location and its building technique this port forms an important example for the ancient ports and for the ports of the Black Sea where as the restitution of its breakwater can be largely undertaken in line with the available data.