Zilkale is a medieval castle located in the Fırtına Valley (literally "Storm Valley") within the Pontic Mountains, and is one of the most important historical structures in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize Province, within the Black Sea Region of Turkey. The castle is built at an altitude of 1130 m, and sits at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Fırtına River approximately 380 m below, running at an elevation of 750 m southeast of it. It is believed that the castle was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. The castle consists of the outer walls, middle walls and the inner castle. There are garrison quarters, and a possible chapel and head tower. According to Anthony Bryer, it is a Georgian chapel that was built by the Empire of Trebizond for the local Lord of Hamshenis.

Etymology

Zilkale: Zil means "bell" and kale means "castle" in Turkish (Zilkale = "Bell Castle"). Alternatively: Zirkale: Zir means "lower" in Persian and kale means "castle" in Turkish (Zirkale = "Lower Castle").