Sarkel

Sarkel (Turkic for "White Fortress") was a large limestone-and-brick fortress built by the Khazars and Byzantines in the 830s.

Sarkel was located on the left bank of the lower Don River. The surrounding city served as a bustling commercial center. Caravans from many lands arrived in Sarkel.

Sarkel's fortress and city were captured by the Rus prince Svyatoslav in 965. The city was revived as Byelaya Vyezha (Slavic for "White Fortress") and settled by Slavs until the 12th century. Then, the district was taken over by the Kipchaks.