Harput Castle

Harput Castle is a unique structure located in the ancient city of Harput, Türkiye, renowned throughout history for its strategic importance and legendary tales. Built in the 8th century BCE by the Urartian Kingdom, the castle came under Persian rule in the 6th century BCE, and the Historic City of Harput is now on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The castle’s frequent change of hands among the Parthians, Romans, Sasanians, Eastern Romans, and Abbasids attests to Harput’s importance in the region. Remaining under Eastern Roman control until the end of the 11th century, it was taken over by the Çubukoğulları in 1085, the Artuqids in 1112, and the Seljuks in 1234. The castle served as a center of governance for prominent figures such as Artuqid Bey Belek Ghazi and Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, before passing to Ottoman rule in 1515. One of the most intriguing legends about Harput Castle is that due to a water shortage during its construction, milk was used in the mortar instead of water, giving it the nickname "Milk Castle." Consisting of an inner castle and outer walls, the fortifications were maintained and restored during the Artuqid, Dulkadirid, Aq Qoyunlu, and Ottoman periods. Although the outer walls have completely collapsed today, the castle, built on steep rocks and difficult to conquer, once contained various structures such as a hospital, granary, mint, water cistern, armory, mosque, and civilian buildings. Harput Castle invites visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the traces of the civilizations that once ruled over these lands.