In Akçakale, which 18 km . to the west of Trabzon, there is a fortress built on a terrace facing the sea. It is estimated that the fortress was built by emperor Alexius I (1297-1330) for protection against the Seljuks. The fortress was defended for another seven years after the conquest of Trabzon, until it was taken over by Mahmut Pasa, one of the commanderes of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. When he died during the attacks, he was buried at the fortress. This fortress, reconstructed in the Ottoman time and enlarged by additions, served as an important military base until the beginning of our century. Although most of the fortress has collapsed, the original style can stili be made out. However, the sections between the storeys made of wood, did not reach our time.