History and archaeology / Castle
Anzaf Castles
İpekyolu, Van
An archaeological site on the Van–Özalp road consisting of two castles, lower and upper, from the time of the Urartian kings Ishpuini and Menua.
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Its story
The two Urartian castles at Anzaf were built to control the military and trade road from Van to the Urmia region. The Lower Castle, just north of the highway, was built with a rectangular plan of large stone blocks in the time of King Ishpuini (late 9th century BC). The Upper Castle, 600–700 meters south of it on a high rocky hill, was built in the time of Menua (810-786 BC); it contains a temple which, from its inscription, is understood to have been built in the name of the god Haldi, as well as a palace, workshops and storerooms. South of the castle, the foundations of the lower city, spread over an area of about 3 km², show Urartian civilian settlement. Excavations have been carried out at the site since 1991 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Oktay Belli. From the Upper Castle the Van Plain is seen from a wide angle.
Key facts
- Period
- 9th-8th century BC (Urartian)
- Getting there
- Van–Özalp highway, ~10 km east of central Van
- Visit duration
- 1 hour
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
38.55963, 43.46983
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437561/anzaf-kaleleri.html | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133236008 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1057267893 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1057267786