The Great Wall of China, which is one of the most popular structures of today and hosts millions of tourists every year, was completed over a period of approximately 2,000 years with the work of millions of workers. Let’s take a closer look at the story of the Great Wall of China, which was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by UNESCO in 2007, why it was built, and information such as its length and height.
Perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols in Chinese history, the Great Wall of ChinaEmperor Qin Shi Huang It was designed by the 3rd century BC to prevent attacks. Although it could hardly prevent the attacks on China, it has become a powerful symbol for Chinese civilization.
This incredible structure, which has a length of approximately 21 thousand km in its original form, was built mainly between 1368 and 1644. Ming Dynasty It was built during the period. about the end of the 1950s 70 km part of it has been rebuilt. Come now The story of the Great Wall of China Let’s take a closer look.
First, what is the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall of China was built in Northern China and its total length is approx. 21,000 km is a building. One of the most recognizable and remarkable structures in Chinese history, the Great Wall of China was built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. from attacks It was built for protection. The building, which took centuries to build, made efforts to expand the wall to the north by the Qin Dynasty, which took power after the Mint Dynasty. Also during the construction to 3 million close workers were employed.
So, against whom was the Great Wall of China built?
The construction of the Great Wall of China was started to defend the Mongol and Turkish attacks from the north. In those years it was just a regional project. until the Qing Dynasty from separate walls The resulting structure was further expanded and strengthened in the following years. It was ruled by Ming rulers during the Ming Dynasty, especially when the communities living in the north became very powerful. 18 times renewed.
Length and height of the Great Wall of China:
Construction approx. 2000 years The Great Wall of China does not have a fixed height value, as it was first built locally. Extant parts were generally built during the Ming Dynasty. The height of these parts is average 6 to 7 meters varies between The highest part reaches about 14 meters.
As a result of six years of archaeological work by the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), it was announced that it has a length of 21,196 kilometers in 2012. The longest part of the Great Wall of China, which is divided into branches, is the one built during the Ming Dynasty. 8,851 kilometer part.
Why was the Great Wall of China built? Let’s look at his story:
The history of the Great Wall of China is the first emperor of China, who connected the regional walls built by various states. Qin Shi based on the period. Qin Shi had his newly formed dynasty built to protect it from attacks from the northern region. In the construction of the walls compacted soil It has a very solid construction.
The Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) repaired the damaged parts of the structure. defensive It was the last community to use it. European states’ acquaintance with the Great Wall of China through the Portuguese explorer Bento de Gois in 1605 has been.
Different historians have different opinions about the Great Wall of China. The most common belief is that the borders of the country The attack of the Mongol and Turkish tribes It is made to defend against. At the same time, captive administrators and soldiers were also employed in the construction of this wall.
Interesting facts about the Great Wall of China:
An enormous length spanning 15 states
Shanhai Pass in eastern China beginning While the Jiayu Pass in the Gobi Desert is considered a western endpoint The Great Wall covers 15 provinces, namely Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hubei, Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai.
Brass was used in its construction for longevity.
Different materials were used in the construction of the Great Wall of China, which was built locally in different periods. Compressed earth, stone, sand, wood and various reeds were used to construct sections of the walls. But to hold the bricks together glutinous rice used. During the Ming Dynasty, glutinous rice was added to the lime and water mortar in continued work. This mixture of from natural disasters It helped him to stand up against the damage that may occur due to the damage.
It’s not just a wall
Contrary to what some might think, the Great Wall of China was simply from a wall does not occur. It houses various sections such as watchtowers, walls, barracks, stations, forts and gates. Each of these divisions has different purposes and was used as an integrated defense and military system for China in those years. each other connected.
There are 25,000 watchtowers
Along the Great Wall of China 25,000 watchtower was built. Their main purpose was to provide communication between troops in times of invasion or war. The towers are interconnected by methods such as fire, lantern and smoke. Contact could establish.
Built with millions of workers
In those years, when there was no method for modern technology, it was necessary to complete the construction of the Great Wall of China. close to 3 million the worker worked. It consisted of workers, soldiers, criminals and ordinary people. Criminals, He was assigned to patrol the top of the wall during the day and to build parts of the wall at night. During the Qin Dynasty, the emperor asked for the protection of the wall and the continuation of the construction work. 300,000 soldiers has given the task.
One-third disappeared
Despite efforts to preserve the Great Wall of China, much of the structure is in ruins or completely destroyed. Although some of it is due to natural causes, the biggest reason is actually poor care and uncontrolled from human interventions originates.
Just as in 1966 Chinese Cultural Revolution as. With this movement, the people were encouraged to dismantle and loot parts of the wall.
Some parts are still being explored.
A section that looks like the Great Wall of China fortress in June 2021 in Shaanxi Province was discovered. This part, called Qingping Fortress, was used by people to build roads. soil removal emerged during his work. The castle from the architectural structure ming It is thought to have been made during the period.
Entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest wall
In addition to being one of the most important symbols of Chinese history, it has also been accepted by the whole world. by UNESCO in 1987. World Heritage added to the list.
Not visible from space
Astronauts and experts, the Great Wall of China with the naked eye They explained that it is not visible from space. Due to the fact that the wall is very narrow and has the same color and texture as its surroundings. to distinguish makes it quite difficult. However, it is possible to photograph the wall using radar images from space.
It is the longest cemetery in the world.
Although it seems like a magnificent structure, there is a very painful truth in its background. While building the wall one million workers died is estimated. Workers have worked in difficult and brutal conditions such as unpredictable weather, steep mountains and insufficient food. For this reason, many losses were experienced during the construction of these huge walls.