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Department of Humanities and Social Sciences


ITU Humanities and Social Sciences

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The curriculum in humanities and social sciences isopen to traditional analysis, techniques and approaches in areas such as history, moral philosophy, philosophy of art, political philosophy and theory, philosophy of science and technology, as well as new methods and alternative approaches that are emerging in this field within a developmental process.

 

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Prof. Dr. Tuncay Zorlu on the Naval Legacy of the Black Sea

by User Not Found | Jun 27, 2025

Prof. Dr. Tuncay Zorlu has authored a chapter titled Naval History of the Black Sea in the forthcoming academic volume Handbook on the History and Culture of the Black Sea Region, to be published in 2025. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the maritime history of the Black Sea, focusing on its enduring strategic importance and the evolving role of naval power in shaping the region’s historical trajectory.

 

The study explores the Black Sea as a contested and dynamic maritime space, situated at the intersection of empires, trade, and conflict. From ancient naval engagements to the shifting alliances and rivalries of the early modern and modern periods, Prof. Dr. Zorlu traces how the sea has been a vital zone of military, commercial, and diplomatic activity.

 

Key themes include the development of naval infrastructure, the use of the sea as a corridor for trade and expansion, and the role of naval supremacy in broader geopolitical struggles. The chapter also considers the influence of surrounding powers—ranging from Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire to Russia and modern coastal states—in shaping the maritime history and strategic balance of the region.

 

By examining naval conflicts, technological advancements in shipbuilding, and the integration of maritime routes into imperial strategies, the chapter provides insight into how the Black Sea has functioned as a space of both competition and connectivity.

 

Prof. Dr. Tuncay Zorlu’s contribution brings together political, economic, and technological perspectives on naval history, making it a valuable resource for scholars of maritime studies, regional history, and international relations. The chapter underscores how control of the sea has historically translated into regional power, reinforcing the Black Sea’s significance in both past and present geopolitical contexts.

 

This interdisciplinary inquiry bridges urban political ecology, disaster governance, and digital cultures, offering a fresh theoretical approach to understanding resilience. It also contributes to rethinking how technological systems, when appropriated collectively, can serve as tools for both survival and resistance.