In sixteenth-century Constantinople, a common opinion was that the Towers of Anemas were the Towers of the Pentapyrgion, which is the name given to the citadel formed by the Walls of Heraclius and Leo. This view was shared by Leunclavius, who was informed by Zygomales about these towers. The idea that the Towers of Anemas were the Towers of the Pentapyrgion fits well with the fact that the Tower of Anemas stood in the city walls near the Palace of Blachernae Identification of the Tower of Anemas.
The Association with the Xylo Porta
A strong argument in favor of this view is the connection of the Tower of Anemas with the Xylo Porta, as mentioned by Leonard of Scio. He wrote about the role of Jerome from Italy and Leonardo de Langasco from Genoa, who were leading a group of soldiers defending the Xylo Porta and the towers called Avenides (which clearly refers to the Anemades). According to Leonard of Scio, they were guarding these towers at the request of the Cardinal:
“Hieronymus Italianus, Leonardus de Langasco, Genovensis, cum multis sociis, Xylo Portam et turres quos Avenides vocant, impensis cardinalis reparatas, spectabant.”
This statement is also mentioned by Zorzo Dolfin. The Xylo Porta is believed to be located at Aivan Serai Kapoussi, which is to the north of the Wall of Heraclius and right beside the Golden Horn. The towers nearest to this entrance would most likely have been the ones defending it, such as the three towers of the Heraclian Wall.
Thus, it is clear that the term “turres Avenides” used by Leonard of Scio most likely refers to these three towers, even if it may have included others as well.
Reconsidering the Towers of Isaac Angelus and Anemas
One important conclusion is that the commonly accepted idea that Towers N and S represent, respectively, the Tower of Isaac Angelus and the Tower of Anemas needs to be corrected in some way. While this identification has been widely accepted, the evidence and associations point to a more complex history. More research and careful examination of the historical sources could provide clearer answers and might lead to a reevaluation of these towers’ identities Private Golfing Tour Turkey.
