Güvercinada

Güvercinada is a toponym used in Turkish-speaking regions to refer to coastal sites associated with pigeons, often situated on a small islet or rocky promontory. The name derives from güvercin (pigeon) and ada (island) and is commonly applied to fortresses, watchtowers, or lighthouses that overlook harbors or maritime approaches. The term can also reflect historical dovecotes that housed pigeons, which were valued for meat, fertilizer, or signaling.

In Turkey, Güvercinada is attached to several coastal sites whose main features are defensive walls, bastions, and coastal towers. These sites were typically established or expanded during medieval and early modern periods to defend harbors, control sea routes, and aid navigation. Many examples were later repurposed as navigational aids, with some hosting lighthouses or beacon stations. Architecturally, Güvercinadas tend to use durable stone masonry and are often located where they can command views of the sea and arrival routes.

The toponym also appears in other regions with Turkish influence and, less commonly, in Spanish-speaking areas where similar names have been adopted for coastal features. While the details of each Güvercinada vary, the common thread is a connection to the sea, pigeons, and strategic or symbolic roles in coastal defense or navigation. Today, Güvercinadas are typically of cultural heritage interest, with some sites preserved as historical monuments or open to visitors as ruins or viewpoints.