Erzurum Castle
Castle in Erzurum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Erzurum Castle is a 5th century fortification located in Erzurum, Turkey. It is a monument of cultural heritage[1] and is the oldest site in the city.[2] The castle is located at the traditional center of the city and is near other monuments such as the Çifte Minareli Medrese.
| Erzurum Castle | |
|---|---|
Erzurum Kalesi | |
Gate with clock tower in background | |
 Interactive map of the Erzurum Castle area | |
General information | |
| Location | Erzurum |
| Coordinates | 39.90779°N 41.27721°E |
| Years built | 5th and 12th century |
History
The Byzantines constructed a castle on the site in 422 during their conflicts with the Persians.[3] The Saltukids then modified the castle in the 12th century,[4] and a citadel mosque was also present around this time.[5] In the Ottoman period, the castle was used by the sultan's janissaries.[2] During the Russo-Turkish wars of the 19th century, an Ottoman army official described the castle as a fortification surrounded by shops and residences.[3]
During the Battle of Erzurum, the Ottoman defenses extended heavily beyond the historic fortress itself.[6] According to historian William Edward David Allen, as the Russians broke through the outlying forts and entered the city, fighting did not take place on the ancient fortifications of Erzurum.[7]
Architecture
The castle features a brick minaret from the 12th century and a clock from the 19th century.[4] The walls, also dating to the 12th century modifications, compose the majority of the remaining structure.[4] The citadel mosque is notable for lacking a central open courtyard.[5] The site is also one of several castles in Turkey that have been mapped with 3D modeling to allow people to observe the site in virtual reality.[8]
Interior of castle mosque
Tower and clock
Exterior walls
View of Erzurum Castle
See also
