Jonka is the history and pride of the Chinese fleet

Not everyone heard the word "junk". But those who heard it for the first time are probably wondering what it means. Few people know that the junk is a traditional Chinese ship that has a number of significant differences from representatives of European shipbuilding. The difference is noticeable at first glance, and with further study of this unusual ship.

Characteristic appearance

The main difference between a junky and other ships is that the stern of this vessel is quite wide and high. At the same time, the nose, which is practically rectangular in shape, is located quite low. Regardless of the destination, the traditional Chinese ship had a flat bottom. All this created a completely unusual appearance of the junk, which was effectively complemented by original sails and traditional drawings on the sides and stern. As a rule, there were depicted mountains and clouds, as well as dragons and other mythical creatures.

Due to such a large number of characteristics, the junk is probably the most recognizable ship in the world and at the same time unique, since it has very little in common with traditional European ships used in most countries. Nevertheless, there were many varieties of this ship - according to some sources, more than 300.

History

This name, reminiscent of the traditional American name, comes from the Malay word djong, which is a distortion of the word of the South Minoan dialect meaning "ship". In other words, a junk is a ship, which, in fact, it is.

An ancient legend says that the first ship of this type was created by the Heavenly Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi. He lived in the distant 29th century BC and was known for giving the inhabitants of the country the secret knowledge that contributed to the development of civilization. It is not surprising that the Chinese junk is revered by the peoples of the Far East and Southeast Asia as some kind of living being, possessing character, character and charm. Nevertheless, some historians tend to believe that the first junks appeared about 1000 years before our era.

Despite the fact that China is less than many other countries was interested in exploring remote parts of the ocean, the first sea vessel appeared right here. And it was a junk. Its stability allowed maneuvering in open waters of any scale, but the speed remained small.

Unusual sails

For some, the most notable feature of the junk is its unusual body, and someone first of all draws attention to sails. Masts on such a ship, usually from three to five. They are placed horizontal bamboo poles, which serve as holders of unusual sails. The general appearance of them resembles a fan - both externally and in the folding system.

Initially, sails were made from reed mats, which made them very heavy, so the junk at the time was not adapted for fast sailing. But there was no need for it either. But the strength of the material allowed the sails to withstand the gusts of even the strongest wind. Later the mat was replaced with a cloth, which increased the speed and maneuverability of the vessel.

At the end of the 13th century, a Venetian merchant and traveler Marco Polo visited China. He compiled a detailed description of the original Asian vessel and was simply amazed that on some junks, in addition to the existing four masts, it was possible to install spare ones, which made it possible to deploy a few more sails.

Military junks

What is a junk for the Chinese? Often this is a transport or merchant ship. It was used less often for military purposes. Historians note such an interesting fact: in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese pirates appeared on the Chinese coast. Instead of mobilizing troops and driving them away, the Chinese turned to ancient treatises, giving recommendations for this case. Not finding an answer to their question, the Chinese people decided to leave it as it is.

Nevertheless, what is a junk, as not a ship, ideal for military operations? The stability of the vessel made it possible to install on it from 5 to 7 12-pound guns and a special bulwark that protected from bullets and arrows. At the same time the crew strength reached 200 people, and the displacement - 200 tons.

Japanese junks

The Jonks, created in the Land of the Rising Sun, differed somewhat from the Chinese, including externally. First of all, the curvature of the sides and the high fodder raised above the water, hanging over the rudder, stood out.

Unlike the Chinese, the Japanese junk is a ship with only one central mast, on which is a narrow rectangular sail. Another small mast was tilted at the bow of the ship, and probably could be removed if necessary. Another feature of the Japanese junk is that beams - the beams that form the basis of the deck - protruded from the vessel, thereby increasing the useful space for cargo.

Modernity

Despite the fact that the junk was invented more than 3 thousand years ago, it still remains relevant. The main reason is the perfect design, providing stability, spaciousness and maneuverability in shallow water. For many years, the old ship has not changed much, even now it's still the same medieval junk. The photo clearly shows how little difference there is between an old and modern ship.

Currently, the poor people in some areas of China are forced to live on junks, which is much cheaper than buying a home. The vessel provides fishers with food and shelter, so it is a fairly popular place to stay. Owners of houses-junks prefer to settle on the rivers near large cities. The population in such floating settlements can reach 80 thousand people, as, for example, in the city of Canton. In Hong Kong, the Chinese living on junks, too, quite a lot - about 12 thousand. In addition, currently junks are used to attract tourists.