"Fortress Gate of Theodoro-Mangup"

Destinations By Brian Wilkes

One the Crimean Peninsula stands the ruins of a fortress that once marked the frontier between Byzantium and the Tatars. Called Theodoro in Greek and Mangup in Tatar, the fortress gives mute testimony to the generations of struggle between peoples of the Black Sea. The current prince of Theodoro-Mangup is a dear friend who has showered me with honors over the years. I hope this artwork gives the viewer a sense of the sturdiness and resilience of the people, no matter how many times the borders shift.