Nigde Castle Claimed

The ruins of a centuries-old castle located on a hill with its stone walls and famous clock tower.

Niğde Castle, the castle surrounding the hill where the old city of Niğde is located, is surrounded by three walls. However, some of the remains of the castle, which was destroyed in many parts, became the walls of the houses. Today, the part containing a fortress in the northeast of the hill has survived. Among the recent ruins, the remains of two bastions that were converted into residences could be seen. This wall probably extended to the side of Sungurbey Mosque. A small portion of the walls opposite the Sungurbey Mosque has been restored. The walls and bastions on the west side have completely disappeared. The main tower of the castle, which is the only surviving bastion, was built at the highest point of the hill. This main tower, which is relatively better preserved, is much higher than the walls leaning on rectangular bastions. Although the walls of the main tower were not destroyed, many rooms and cells inside were completely ruined.

Despite the repairs made in the southern part, the outline of the wall can hardly be seen. It is not possible to say anything definitive about the history of the castle. Although there is an Arab Byzantine flavor on the lower walls, it is possible that it was built in the 8th century BC. The castle was repaired by Grand Vizier İshak Pasha in 1740. Today, the hill has been surrounded by a wall by the Municipality and the top of the hill has been turned into a park. The famous clock tower, built on one of the old bastions of the castle, is an extraordinarily beautiful work and is the symbol of Niğde. However, there is no inscription and there is not much information about it. However, it dates to the 19th century through style. The Clock Tower was built on one of the western bastions of the castle.