Imperial Arsenal and Bolu

When it comes to the maritime activities, Ottoman Empire was influenced by and sustained the naval traditions and customs of Tzachas and Ghazi Umur of Aydın. Ottoman Turks not only utilised the naval experiences of Turkish Beyliks and Seljuk Turks but also established diplomatic and commercial relations with Genoa and Venice whose maritime presence were significant at the time and utilised their naval experiences and extended them. By doing so, Ottoman Empire became not only a Land Empire but also a Maritime Empire by 16th century. Situated in various parts of Ottoman Empire, naval shipyards played a crucial role in becoming a Maritime Empire. Most strategic of all the naval shipyards was the Imperial Arsenal which was the administrative and production centre of Ottoman naval forces. Sustaining power at sea meant building ships quickly, providing them with all the necessary equipments and showing them up on the sea. Anatolia region was vast and rich in the materials required to build ships. Especially, the Sanjak of Bolu had wide forest area and provided the need for timber for building ships. Sanjak of Bolu was significant also because it supplied coal, crude iron, tar, cotton waste and other crucial materials for shipbuilding, that is the reason why it became the centre to supply shipbuilding and shipyard materials. In addition, Sanjak of Bolu also provided large majority of oarsmen who were of great importance for maritime activities. Keywords: Bolu, Imperial Dockyard, Maritime, Timber