Changes

Just beyond the castle walls could be found the Buddhist temple [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]] and the [[Ryutan|Ryûtan]] and Enkan ponds which were constructed for the leisure and recreation of visiting [[Chinese investiture envoys]]. One of the highest points in the compound, the "West Azana" or ''shimasoe azana'', is also situated outside of the castle walls. Here, banners would be flown and a bell rung to announce the time. The ''azana'' rises roughly 130m above sea level, offering extensive views of Naha city and harbor, and of the castle<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Nishi no Azana." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. There is also an Eastern Azana, on the opposite end of the compound.

Just beyond the castle walls could be found the Buddhist temple [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]] and the [[Ryutan|Ryûtan]] and Enkan ponds which were constructed for the leisure and recreation of visiting [[Chinese investiture envoys]]. One of the highest points in the compound, the "West Azana" or ''shimasoe azana'', is also situated outside of the castle walls. Here, banners would be flown and a bell rung to announce the time. The ''azana'' rises roughly 130m above sea level, offering extensive views of Naha city and harbor, and of the castle<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Nishi no Azana." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. There is also an Eastern Azana, on the opposite end of the compound.

The walls themselves were tall and thick, composed of stones fit together to form a smooth, steep surface difficult to climb. Flat, narrow walkways topped the walls, but they lacked merlons (aka battlements or crenelations) or loopholes which would have protected defenders atop the walls while allowing them to fire down upon invaders<ref name=Turnbull44/>.

The walls themselves, just over one kilometer in total length, are generally about three meters thick and range between 6 to 15 meters in height.<ref>Okahashi, Junko (2018) "[http://openarchive.icomos.org/2003/ Significance of reconstructed built-heritage after wartime destruction: Restitution of identity? New role in the subsequent society?]" In: International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) 19th General Assembly and Scientific Symposium "Heritage and Democracy", 13-14th December 2017, New Delhi, India, 2.</ref> They are composed of stones fit together to form a smooth, steep surface difficult to climb. Flat, narrow walkways topped the walls, but they lacked merlons (aka battlements or crenelations) or loopholes which would have protected defenders atop the walls while allowing them to fire down upon invaders<ref name=Turnbull44/>.

===Gates===

===Gates===