A 1977 Soviet collectible postcard showing a view of the coastal limestone sea stacks known as the Ship Rocks (Elken-Kale), located in the Black Sea near the southern tip of the Kerch Peninsula.
What is shown on the postcard
The front of the postcard features a group of four prominent rocky islets rising from the sea. In the background, near the horizon under a cloudless blue sky, the silhouette of a large cargo vessel is visible. The water has a deep blue-green hue with gentle ripples.
Historical note
These rocks, known by their Turkic name Elken-Kale (‘ship rocks’), are the remnants of an ancient Sarmatian Sea reef. They are composed of durable bryozoan limestone that has withstood centuries of marine erosion. The tallest stack stands over 20 meters above sea level. Historically, these rocks served as a natural landmark for mariners since antiquity.
Present day
Today, the Ship Rocks are part of the Opuksky Nature Reserve, established in 1998. The territory holds protected status. The rocks serve as nesting sites for rare bird species, including the European shag, and attract researchers and tourists as a unique geological and biosphere monument.
Location (map)
Address: Black Sea, near Cape Opuk, Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
Coordinates: 45.007500, 36.224100
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the ‘Ship Rocks’ (Elken-Kale) stack group in the Black Sea near Cape Opuk, Kerch Peninsula..
Questions and answers
- What is depicted on the 1977 postcard? The postcard depicts the Elken-Kale (Ship Rocks) coastal sea stacks near the Kerch Peninsula, with a cargo vessel visible on the horizon.
- What are these rocks called and what is their origin? The rocks are called Elken-Kale (Ship Rocks); they are remnants of an ancient Sarmatian Sea reef composed of durable bryozoan limestone.
- What is the current status of this area? Currently, the Ship Rocks are part of the protected Opuksky Nature Reserve, serving as nesting sites for rare bird species.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kerch from 1977.
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