Mysterious fortress on Mount Tendurek officially named ‘Arap Zengi Castle’
A view of the ancient 11-room castle ruins, built among the volcanic rocks, at the foot of Tendurek Mountain as registration works for the ruins has been initiated in Caldiran, Van, Türkiye, July 10, 2024. (Photo by AA Photo)
The remnants of an 11-room castle, complete with cisterns, walls, and a watchtower, have been officially registered as “Arab Zengi Castle” in the Mount Tendurek area, now cleared of terrorist threats thanks to security operations in Van.
Historical site of strategic importance
The castle, built amid volcanic tuff rocks, is located approximately 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) from the district of Caldiran, between Agri’s Dogubayazit and Van’s Caldiran. The Van Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage has finalized its registration, designating the area as a “historic site.”
Experts who conducted an examination of the site noted that the structure comprises interconnected rooms, a cistern, walls, and a watchtower, all constructed from basalt stones that have been flattened within the volcanic landscape.
Drones capture essential data for heritage inventory
The castle has been mapped and documented through drone photography, capturing its coordinates, historical remnants, architectural features and overall location.
The local community named it “Arab Zengi Castle,” reflecting its cultural significance.
Uncovering mysteries of castle’s history
Professor Rafet Cavusoglu, head of the Van Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, confirmed that technical assessments of the castle have been completed.
He stated, “The castle was previously unregistered in the inventory. With this registration, all findings have been documented. The architectural structure has been meticulously recorded, ensuring its preservation.”
He emphasized the importance of ongoing research to determine the castle’s historical period, indicating that scientists will continue to investigate its background.
Boost for local tourism and cultural heritage
Cavusoglu highlighted the potential tourism benefits of this registration: “Previously, there were no records for this structure. Now it has become a registered cultural asset. This project will benefit both the region and tourism significantly. The castle is situated at a historically significant point along the Silk Road, marking the beginning of the Caldiran Plain. It served as a refuge during attacks, making it a well-planned fortification.”
He further explained, “It has long been a viable living space, equipped with storage areas and cisterns. Capturing this castle would be a challenging task, as it is difficult to access from the volcanic rocks. It appears to have been used as a refuge, and our preliminary studies confirm it has 11 rooms and was likely in use during the Middle Ages.”
The official registration of the Arab Zengi Castle not only marks an important step in preserving Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage but also enhances the potential for tourism in the region. This ongoing exploration will undoubtedly shed more light on the historical significance of this mysterious castle.
