Zilkale is a medieval castle located in the Fırtına Valley (literally "Storm Valley") within the Pontic Mountains, and is one of the most important historical structures in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize Province, within the Black Sea Region of Turkey.

[2] There are garrison quarters, and a possible chapel and head tower.

According to Anthony Bryer, it is a Georgian chapel that was built by the Empire of Trebizond for the local Lord of Hamshenis.

[3] Zilkale: Zil means "bell" and kale means "castle" in Turkish (Zilkale = "Bell Castle").

[4] Alternatively: Zirkale: Zir means "lower" in Persian and kale means "castle" in Turkish (Zirkale = "Lower Castle").