Original Context: Published as a book chapter in “Yeni Bir Askeri Tarih Özlemi” (A Longing for a New Military History), Ed. Kahraman Şakul, 2013.
Key Concept: HAZDAP (The Golden Horn Chain Experimental Research Project)
This study, published in the seminal volume “Yeni Bir Askeri Tarih Özlemi,” advocates for a paradigm shift in Turkish military historiography by introducing Experimental History as a primary research tool. Focusing on the legendary chain that blocked the Golden Horn in 1453, the paper moves beyond archival descriptions to propose a physical, empirical investigation through the HAZDAP project.
Deconstructing the Myth: The research refutes the simplistic “two-tower tension” theory, proposing instead a complex defensive system involving floating pontoons and a three-tower control mechanism. This theory is rooted in the 7+1 link sequence identified during the author’s previous laboratory studies.
The HAZDAP Proposal: The paper details the roadmap for recreating the 14kg wrought iron links using historical techniques. The objective was to “experience” the chain’s resistance against 15th-century maritime breaching tactics, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical reality.
Interdisciplinary Synthesis: By combining 3D laser scanning, engineering simulations, and metallurgical analysis, the study exemplifies the “New Military History” approach—where science and technology are used to validate or reshape historical narratives.
Although HAZDAP faced technical and economic hurdles that prevented its physical execution, the proposal remains a visionary manifesto for experimental research in Türkiye. It redefined the Golden Horn chain as a sophisticated piece of 15th-century military engineering and continues to serve as a call to action for future experiential history projects.
Genç, U. (2013). “Teoriden Pratiğe Haliç Zinciri Deneysel Araştırma Projesi”, Yeni Bir Askeri Tarih Özlemi: Savaş, Teknoloji ve Deneysel Çalışmalar, Tarih Vakfı Yurt Yayınları, İstanbul, 96-108.
