History and archaeology / Castle
Ardahan Castle
Merkez, Ardahan
The symbol of Ardahan, rising in the middle of the city center on the bank of the Kura River; a castle with towered walls repaired by the Ottomans in the 16th century.
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Its story
The castle stands right on the bank of the Kura River, which separates the Halil Efendi neighborhood from the bazaar. Its original construction date is unknown; in Ottoman records the castle and the surrounding settlement appear under the name Parakan. After the Ottomans captured the region in 1551, the castle was extensively repaired, and its inscription dated 1556 documents this repair; GoTürkiye attributes the work to the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman (Suleiman the Magnificent). The walls, of a nearly rectangular plan, are reinforced by many towers and are about 745 meters long. Because the terrain slopes, the southern section facing the river is noticeably lower than the northern one. Medieval Georgian inscriptions can still be seen on some stones in the walls. From the walls there is a wide view of the city and the Kura valley; the riverbank around the castle is also suitable for walking.
Key facts
- Period
- Middle Ages; 1556 Ottoman repair
- Getting there
- Ardahan city center, bank of the Kura River
- Visit duration
- 1 hour
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
- Hiking
Location
41.11808, 42.70371
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardahan_Kalesi | https://goturkiye.com/ardahan/see | https://goturkiye.com/ardahan | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/1352202740