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History and archaeology / Castle

Karakale (Sürmeli Castle)

Merkez, Iğdır

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The castle of the city of Sürmeli, on steep slopes overlooking the Aras River between Iğdır and Tuzluca, with a history going back to the Seljuk and Timurid periods.

Safety warning

In this section the Aras River forms the border with Armenia. It is close to the border; before visiting, check current access and security conditions with the local authorities (governorship/district governorate, gendarmerie), and do not go outside the marked areas. The remains are on a steep slope; stay away from the edges.

Its story

Karakale is on a hill dominating the plain about 25 km west of central Iğdır, on the right of the Tuzluca road, south of the Aras River. Its north is bounded by the Aras and its south and east by deep valleys. Its construction date is unknown; the castle, which appears in medieval sources under the name Sürmari, passed to the Great Seljuks in 1064, was taken by Timur in 1386 and was visited by the Spanish envoy Clavijo in 1404. Later a base of the Karakoyunlu, the castle was heavily damaged in the earthquakes of 1664 and 1840. Today the remains of two outer walls about 2 meters thick, a 17 x 8-meter inner castle and twin watchtowers overlooking the Aras can be seen. The site was placed under protection in 1989.

Key facts

Period
Before the 11th century – Middle Ages
Admission
Open area
Getting there
Iğdır–Tuzluca road, about 25 km from the center

Trip purpose

  • Photography

Location

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40.04653, 43.82306

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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://igdir.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55719/kaleler.html | https://igdir.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55727/karakale-oren-harabe-yeri.html | https://goturkiye.com/igdir/see | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131902114