Strategic sentinels: investigating the role and distribution of medieval towers in Cyprus through geospatial analysis

This study investigates the utilization and distribution of medieval towers in Cyprus during their original period (14th-15th Century) with a primary focus on the province of Larnaca. It explores the intended purposes of these constructions, including Pyla Tower, Kiti Tower (also known as Regina), Alaminos Tower (alternatively Koulas), and Xylofagou Tower. The research addresses questions regarding their original uses: Were they constructed as fortified structures with military purposes for the island's security, was their building purpose originally symbolic, serving as a "reminder" of the sovereignty of the Conqueror to the inhabitants of the island, or did they serve agricultural functions? A multifaceted approach is employed, integrating bibliographical and surveying documentation with geographical analysis to examine the interaction between these structures and their surrounding landscapes. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the purposes and significance of the medieval towers in the region using geoinformatics by examining both human-made and natural factors. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was utilized to establish data relationships and conduct spatial analyses, including cost-surface analyses, density analysis, and viewshed analysis. These analytical tools are crucial for elucidating the functional and spatial dynamics of medieval towers, enabling a deeper comprehension of the influences of these structures during their original construction period. Additionally, a photogrammetric survey was carried out to document the towers, enabling the examination of their architectural features and the determination of their original construction period or any later modifications.