Sailing Shoes

In the summer I visited Sozopol, Bulgaria and saw a fine example of an oared fishing boat. Information there identified it as a Turkish style of boat which arrived with the Ottomans.

I now find some other evidence which identifies it as a type of  fishing boat from Sea of Marmara, which would explain why it arived in Bulgaria with Turks.

The boat is known in Greek as Santala, derived from ancient 'sandala' because it looks like a shoe. The Bulgarian name, Alamana,  may also derive from this. The original is Byzantine.

The boat was made to be rowed fast by up to 20 men. It was used for fishing, small loads and auxiliary to fighting ship. Somewhat like an ancient pentekonter or triakonter.