Ottoman era lighthouses in the Western Black Sea region (Sinop-Kocaeli line)

Lighthouses are structures that ensure navigational safety and regulate maritime traffic. With the beginning of sea voyages, various forms of these navigation systems have been used throughout different historical periods. The first examples within the Ottoman Empire emerged in the 16th century. Initially built in small scale, often in the form of towers, and using olive oil, animal fat, or resin as fuel, these primitive systems gradually evolved in parallel with the Industrial Revolution, undergoing significant technical and structural transformation. This study focuses on the emergence, construction processes, structural characteristics (such as lighting systems, energy sources, building materials, etc.), purposes of use, and historical significance of these structures -particularly those located along the Western Black Sea coastal line between Sinop and Kocaeli- within the Ottoman territories. In this context, the establishment of an advanced navigation network that guided maritime trade and transportation in Ottoman territorial waters between 1856 and 1914, as part of the advancements and modernization in maritime infrastructure, has been evaluated through the Sinop-Kocaeli coastal route.