Koznik Fortress

Koznik is a medieval fortress built a little southeast of present-day Rudozem, on the right of the Arda River. It formed part of the caravan route from Thrace to the Aegean region. Local people called it Erim Papa or Kechikaya, from the Turkish keçikaya, meaning "goat rock". The Byzantine emperor John Kantakouzenos mentions it as one of nine Rhodope fortresses surrendered by his opponents to the Bulgarian tsar Ivan Alexander in 1344 as part of the promised Bulgarian assistance in the war against Kantakouzenos. Koznik Fortress had strategic importance, controlling key routes in northeastern Thrace. Establishing its location and studying it archaeologically may provide further information about its history and purpose.