Shuri Castle
| Shuri Castle 首里城 |
|
|---|---|
| Naha, Okinawa | |
Seiden (main hall) of Shuri Castle
|
|
| Type | Gusuku |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |
Chūzan (14th century–1429) Ryūkyū Kingdom (1429–1879) Empire of Japan (1879–1945) United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands (1945–1950) United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands (1950–1972) Japan (1972–present) |
| Open to the public |
yes |
| Condition | Reconstructed, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Site history | |
| Built | 14th century, last rebuilt 1958–1992 |
| In use | 14th century–1945 |
| Materials | Ryūkyūan limestone, wood |
| Demolished | 1945, numerous times previous |
| Battles/wars |
Invasion of Ryukyu (1609)
|
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Kings of Chūzan and Ryūkyū Kingdom Imperial Japanese Army |
Invasion of Ryukyu (1609)
World War II
Shuri Castle (首里城 Shuri-jō?, Okinawan: Sui Gushiku) is a Ryūkyūan gusuku in Shuri, Okinawa. It was the palace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed. Beginning in 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records, and memory.
The date of construction is uncertain, but it was clearly in use as a castle during the Sanzan period (1322–1429). It is thought that it was probably built during the Gusuku period, like many other castles of Okinawa. When King Shō Hashi unified the three principalities of Okinawa and established the Ryūkyū Kingdom, he used Shuri Castle as a residence. At the same time, Shuri flourished as the capital and continued to do so during the Second Shō Dynasty.
For 450 years from 1429, it was the royal court and administrative center of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. It was the focal point of foreign trade, as well as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Ryūkyūs. According to records, Shuri Castle was burned down several times, but rebuilt each time. It was captured by the armies of Satsuma during the 1609 Invasion of Ryukyu, during the reign of Shō Nei. After the Kingdom was annexed by Japan in 1879, the King was removed and the castle was used as a barracks by the Japanese army.
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Wikipedia