CHARTAQUE Meaning and
Definition
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A chartaque, also spelled "tartar" or "char-tak," is a fortified military structure or fortification that typically consists of one or more towers surrounded by a defensive wall or earthwork. These structures were usually built in the medieval period as defensive fortifications to protect strategic locations such as river crossings, important roadways, or border regions.
The design of a chartaque often varied depending on the region and purpose, but most commonly, they featured a central tower or keep that served as a command center and observation post. The tower would be several stories high, providing vantage points for archers or other soldiers to defend against attackers. Additionally, the outer walls or earthworks would be constructed to provide further protection, often including ditches or palisades.
Chartaques were typically made of wood, stone, or a combination of the two, depending on the resources available in the region. They were strategically positioned to control key access points and supervise the surrounding area. These structures played a crucial role during times of armed conflict, providing a defensive advantage to the occupying force and serving as a deterrent to potential invaders.
As military technology progressed, chartaques became less prominent and were gradually replaced by more sophisticated fortifications such as castles and citadels. However, their historical significance remains, and some surviving chartaques are now considered important cultural heritage sites.
Etymology of CHARTAQUE
The word "chartaque" originates from the Ottoman Turkish term "çardak" or "çatı" meaning a small shelter or pavilion. It entered European languages via Hungarian as "csárdás" or "csárdák" which referred to a type of military outpost or fortification used in the Ottoman Empire. Eventually, "csárdás" transformed into "chartaque" in French and English, referring to a small wooden or earthen fortress used for military purposes.
