Odun Bazar K’apusy — the gate of the Wood Bazaar, which was the largest of the five gates of the Crimean Tatar city of Kezlev (the old name of Yevpatoria). The gate was located in the eastern, trade and crafts part of the fortress. The width of the Kezlev Gate was more than 12 meters, and the length of the passage was 13.5 meters.
In the XIX century the gates were also called «Kemer-kapusy» (Arched Gates). Their aperture with a width of 3.75 meters was covered with a cylindrical vault reinforced with girt arches. The height of the aperture was 3.62 meters.
In 1633, the most devastating Cossack raid on the town took place, which was burned and destroyed. Apparently, the red color of the stones of the northern wall can be associated with this fire. After that the gate is rebuilt, the passage is blocked with a semi-circular vault.
Despite its historical value, in 1959 the gate was demolished under the pretext that it interfered with the passage of traffic on Matveev (Karaimskaya) Street. The cultural layer on the territory adjacent to the monument was also removed, which now makes it impossible to specify the exact date of the structure.
Thanks to the efforts of the concern «RDR», taking an active part in the cultural development of the city in 2003 to the 2500th anniversary of Evpatoria began restoration of the gate.
For four years, restoration works were carried out with careful observance of historical accuracy, so that today this monument of medieval fortification appears to you in its original appearance.
In the course of restoration works, archaeologists discovered the foundations of the Kezlev Gate. Having analyzed the results, the scientists came to the conclusion that originally the construction of the gate consisted of a quadrangle, which was divided in height by wooden inter-storey ceilings. In the western and eastern walls, openings for passage were constructed. Two cannon embrasures were arranged in the north and south walls with the help of arched niches.
Unfortunately, archaeological work has only been able to trace the premises of the northern half of the Kezlev Gate. Originally they served as premises for guards, later in XIX-XX centuries they were used for shops and workshops.
The restored gates turned into a kind of a symbol of the old town, becoming an integral part of its architectural appearance. And the starting point of a journey into the past.
In the summer season at the fortress gates are held bright city festivities — «Summer Evenings on Karaite». During them, performances, concerts, as well as «Fire show» — a fire show of the theater on stilts — take place on the square near the gate.