Harput Castle
Eastern Anatolia Region
Harput Castle, also called Milk Castle, is a historic fortress located in the Harput neighborhood of Elazığ Province, Turkey. Built originally by the Urartians in the 8th century BC, the castle is notable for its rectangular plan and division into inner and outer sections. Throughout its history, it has been governed by various powers including the Persians, Armenians, Romans, Byzantines, Abbasids, Seljuks, Artuqids, Akkoyunlu, and Ottomans. The castle served as a strategic center of governance and witnessed numerous conflicts and changes in control. Its unique name derives from a local legend that milk was added to the mortar due to water scarcity during construction. Restoration efforts have been carried out in the 21st century to preserve both the castle and the surrounding Ottoman-era neighborhood. Today, Harput Castle stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark, offering visitors insight into the layered history of Eastern Anatolia.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during spring or autumn for mild weather and clearer views. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues. Guided tours are available and enhance the experience by providing historical context. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Comfortable footwear is advised due to uneven terrain and steep areas within the castle.
Interesting facts
- •The castle is nicknamed 'Milk Castle' due to a legend that milk was mixed into the mortar during construction because of water scarcity.
- •It was originally built by the Urartians in the 8th century BC, making it over 2,700 years old.
- •Harput Castle has been ruled by numerous empires including the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
- •Restoration efforts between 2005 and 2009 helped preserve both the castle and the surrounding Ottoman-era neighborhood.
- •The castle's strategic location made it a center of governance for various regional powers throughout history.
History
Harput Castle was constructed by the Urartian Kingdom in the 8th century BC and later came under Persian rule in the 6th century BC.
Over the centuries, it was controlled by Armenians, Romans, Byzantines, Abbasids, and Seljuks.
In the 11th century, local Turkish dynasties such as the Çubukoğulları and Artukoğulları governed the castle.
The Akkoyunlu dynasty took control in the 15th century, followed by the Ottoman Empire in 1515 during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim.
The castle has undergone various restorations, including significant work from 2005 to 2009 to preserve its structure and the adjacent Ottoman neighborhood.
Place Guide
Inner Castle8th century BC
The central fortified area that includes the main defensive structures and offers panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Outer Castle8th century BC
The external fortifications that protected the inner castle and housed additional military and civilian structures.
Ottoman Neighborhood17th to 20th century
A historic residential area within the castle grounds inhabited from the mid-17th to early 20th centuries, showcasing Ottoman architecture and lifestyle.
