Overview:

Gaziantep Castle, also known as Kale or Hisn, is an ancient castle located in the city of Gaziantep in south-eastern Turkey. The castle is perched above the city and was built by successive civilizations, from the Romans to the Ottomans. It offers splendid views of the city and surrounding area. Within the castle walls are the remains of various buildings including a mosque, baths, churches, and other fortifications. Gaziantep Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, and is certainly a must-see. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

Gaziantep Castle is one of the historically prominent features of the city of Gaziantep. The castle is located on an elevated mound known as Rumkale, is located along the left bank of the river Euphrates. The castle dates back to the Roman, Byzantine, and ultimately Ottoman Rule. It is a well-preserved fortress, and offers outstanding views of the Euphrates river and the surrounding countryside. The castle is built in a rectangular pattern, and has three main gates. The central gate is the main entrance where visitors can explore the castle’s interior and upper terrace. Some of the interesting features includes four stone chambers, a large cistern, and a commemorative statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The castle also hosts a variety of cultural activities and festivals throughout the year. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Gaziantep Castle is a large ancient castle built in the 12th century during the Ayyubid dynasty. The castle was strategically located on a commanding position overlooking the strategic city of Gaziantep in Turkey and controlling the route leading to Aleppo. The castle itself was built by Nur ad-Din Zangi, a powerful ruler of the Ayyubid dynasty based in Damascus, Syria. Throughout the history of the Caravan city, the castle stood as a formidable force protecting the city from invaders. In the late 13th century, the castle saw much action during the Arab–Byzantine Wars. At that time the castle came under the authority of the Mamluks, a dynasty of Turkic origins who rose to become the most powerful rulers of the period. The range of the castle was increased as it was remodeled and extended with a new, outer wall, allowing the castle to cover a larger area. The Ottoman Empire subsequently annexed the city in 1516 and the castle passed into their hands. The castle was again refurbished and expanded and served as the headquarters of the Ottoman governor of Gaziantep. During the Ottoman era, the castle was equipped with multiple towers and projections, allowing the Ottomans to defend their lands from any invading armies. In the 19th century, the castle was used as a prison for political prisoners. After the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the castle was transformed into a museum. Today, the Gaziantep Castle stands as an important historical site in Turkey, offering visitors an opportunity to explore its many remaining artifacts and learn about its long history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Gaziantep Castle is one of the oldest and most important fortresses in Turkey, having been built in the 10th century by the Artuqids of Hisn Kayfa. 2. The castle was constructed on the site of an important ancient settlement known since the 2nd millennium BC. 3. During the Crusades, the castle was taken over by the Knights Templar and then by the Seljuks, who held the castle until the Mongol invasions destroyed it. 4. The castle was rebuilt in the sixteenth century, and was again fortified in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. 5. As of 2005, the castle was being restored to its original state, with work being done to create new walls, towers and gates. 6. The Gaziantep Castle is one of the largest in Turkey, with a total area of 168 hectares. 7. The castle is surrounded by a five meter thick mud brick wall, and was designed in a unique way, making use of natural features to help incorporate its defensive systems. 8. In the 1990's, the Gaziantep Castle was declared a protected area, and is now a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era