Mysterious medieval castle discovered among lava rocks in Türkiye

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an 11-room castle in Van’s Caldiran district. The intriguing discovery was nestled among lava rocks on the slopes of Mount Tendurek. The team has documented the site and is working to register it as a historical landmark.

Castle ruins uncovered

The castle, located between Agri’s Dogubayazit and Van’s Caldiran districts, has become accessible after security operations cleared the region of terrorist threats.

The Anadolu Agency (AA) team documented the site, showcasing the fortress nestled in the volcanic tuff rocks.

Situated 20 kilometers from Caldiran, the castle is constructed from flattened basalt stones and can be reached after a strenuous two-hour climb. Perched on a high rock with a commanding view of the area, the castle features interconnected rooms, a cistern, fortified walls and a watchtower.

Locals from the nearby Soguksu neighborhood refer to the structure as “Arap Zengi Castle.” Despite the passage of time, portions of the walls remain remarkably intact.

Van Yuzuncu Yil University (YYU) faculty of letters dean and archaeology department head professor Rafet Cavusoglu examined pottery shards in the area, suggesting the castle’s use by various civilizations during the Middle Ages. An initiative has begun to have the castle registered with the Cultural Heritage Protection Regional Board.

Cavusoglu described the difficulty of accessing the castle built among lava rocks, highlighting its triangular architecture and rounded bastions at three points.

“The walls are up to 5 meters thick in some places and around 15 meters high in others,” he said. “There are two natural fissures within the structure, used to create rooms, with one section serving as a cistern, now filled due to the collapse of the walls.”

While no Iron Age ceramics were found on the surface, the castle’s architecture and artifacts indicate a medieval origin.

“Examining the bastions reveals its medieval roots. We’ve found ceramics reflecting classic medieval characteristics, but pinpointing the exact period is challenging,” he added.

The castle’s narrow southern entrance adds to its enigmatic nature, offering panoramic views of the Caldiran Plain and boasting an easily defensible position.

Castle ruins uncovered

Cavusoglu expressed surprise at the castle’s construction amid the challenging terrain. “The location and inaccessibility suggest it was built by a state power,” he said.

“It’s a mysterious place, likely a refuge for high-ranking officials during conflicts. The castle’s preservation and promotion for tourism are crucial due to its uniqueness and the intact state of many of its rooms. People need to witness this hidden gem.”

Efforts are ongoing to preserve and protect this enigmatic medieval castle, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s historical landscape and architectural ingenuity.