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Harput Castle Claimed

Good place for a Castle and best places to travel in Elazığ

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Harput Castle is an architectural structure built by the Urartians on a rectangular plan. It is located in the historical Harput neighborhood within the current Elazığ provincial borders. The castle consists of two parts: inner and outer castle.

According to historical sources, Harput Castle was founded by the Urartian Kingdom in the 8th century BC. It came under the rule of the Persians from the 6th century BC.

Various legends are told about Harput Castle. According to a rumor, due to the scarcity of water experienced during the construction of the castle, milk was used instead of water in the preparation of the mortar upon the order of the ruler of the time, which is why the castle was called “Milk Castle”.

The repairs made during the Artuqid Period contributed greatly to the preservation of Harput Castle, which consists of two parts: the inner castle and the outer walls, as an original structure until today. The castle was later repaired during the Dulkadiroğulları, Akkoyunlu and Ottoman periods. The outer walls of the castle have been completely destroyed. The castle, built on steep rocks and very difficult to besieged, is a large neighborhood with a hospital, granary, mint, water cistern, ammunition depot, mosque and many civilian buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Various legends are told about Harput Castle. According to a rumor, due to the scarcity of water experienced during the construction of the castle, milk was used instead of water in the preparation of the mortar upon the order of the ruler of the time, which is why the castle was called "Milk Castle".

After the Hittite rule, which did not last long, B.C. Urartians, who established a state in Eastern Anatolia starting from the 9th century, ruled in Harput for a long time. Harput Castle, which stands with its historical majesty even today, bears the traces of the Urartian period.

According to our current knowledge, Harput Castle was founded by the Urartu Kingdom in the early 8th century BC, approximately 3 thousand years ago.

During the excavations carried out in the Artuklu Mosque in Harput Inner Castle between 2005 and 2009, the discovery of a Roman Imperial Age Bronze coin and the discovery of bright red polished pottery pieces described as "Eastern Sigillata A" type prove the existence of the Roman Period in the castle. .

There is no doubt that the most important battle in Harput becoming the Turkish Homeland with the Great Seljuk domination shifting to Anatolia was the Battle of Manzikert. Çubukoğulları Principality was established in Harput, which was conquered by Çubuk Bey in 1085.

According to historical documents, Alpagut, Bayındır, Çepni, Kıbır, Avşar, Kayı, Salur and Arapgirli tribes settled in Harput and its surroundings. In addition, some Turkish tribes living in Central Anatolia, who were affected by the turmoil in Anatolia, made this region their home.

Harput has an important place among the places to visit in Elazığ. However, although the exterior of the castle is wonderful, the places to visit inside are limited.

Entry is free. Enter the place discovered as a dungeon, if you are willing to descend 112 steps.

1 Review for Harput Castle

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irfancan51

1 Reviews

places to visit

5.0/ 5

Harput has an important place among the places to visit in Elazığ. However, although the exterior of the castle is wonderful, there are limited places to visit inside, so I honestly couldn’t find much to write about. Superficially, the castle is open, but I think the interior, living spaces, dungeons, inns, everywhere are closed for security purposes. After all, human health is more important than anything else. Even if you don’t go there for the castle, you should still go and see it to enjoy the view of Elazığ from Harput.

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