Overview:

Kars Castle is a castle situated in the city of Kars in eastern Turkey. It was constructed in the late 12th century as an Ottoman fortress by order of Sultan Muhammed bin Mesud. The walls around the castle are 8 meters thick and the exquisite remains of the palace and bird-like turrets are evidence of its architectural grandeur. The structure was remodeled and enlarged due to the increased military and civil administration of Kars during the 19th century. Today, the castle is kept in beautiful condition and serves as a tourist attraction. Inside the walls of the castle are various shops, restaurants, and souvenir stalls. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

Kars Castle is situated in the city of Kars in Turkey's Eastern Anatolia region and dates back to the Early Medieval period. The castle is the largest and best-preserved fortifications in Turkey and is a major tourist attraction. It is believed to have been built in the early 11th century, or possibly even earlier. The castle was used as a military base until the 19th century and is surrounded by city walls on three sides. The walls are made of local stone and are 10-12 meters (33-39 feet) tall. The castle features two gateways, the Inner and Outer Gateways. The Inner Gateway has three defensive towers and the main hall of the castle is also located inside this gate. The castle also features a central courtyard, residential quarters, a small mosque, a bathhouse, an arsenal, stables, and a guardroom. There are also many towers, including one round tower, 15 square towers, and five hexagonal towers. This fortification was used to protect the city from invading forces over the centuries, and its strategic location at the crossroads of East and West Anatolia made it a much sought-after defensive location. Today, Kars Castle stands as a reminder of both past glory and current hardship in the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Kars Castle is located in the city of Kars, in the northeastern region of Turkey. It was originally built as a Byzantine castle in the late 11th century by the Byzantine Empire, and then, centuries later, rebuilt by the Ottoman Empire. The first documented record of the castle dates to the reign of the ruling Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos (reigned 1143–1180). At this point, the castle was used to protect the strategically important city of Kars and the surrounding region from various threats. Following several centuries of occupation by the Byzantines, Kars Castle was taken over by the Ottoman Empire in 1515 during the reign of Sultan Selim I (reigned 1512–1520). During this period, the castle underwent several refurbishments and expansions, with additional walls being added, and cannons being mounted on the castle walls. In the decades that followed, the castle has served as an important defense point for the Ottoman Empire. During the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), a garrison of 5,000 troops was stationed at the castle, and it was from here that the Ottoman forces launched their unsuccessful attempts to recapture Kars during the war. From this period until the modern day, Kars Castle has been restored several times. However, it still stands as an impressive reminder of the city's long and fascinating history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Kars Castle was built in the 11th century AD during the Seljuk Empire and then restored during Ottoman rule in the 16th century. 2. The castle is located atop a steep hill at an elevation of 1,214 meters. 3. The castle was originally constructed as a stronghold in which the rulers of the ancient city of Kars could keep rebels and enemies out. 4. The castle has walls that measure over 4 meters high and are 7 meters wide, providing a secure home to the local community. 5. The castle also includes a 36 meter high watchtower which was used to spot enemies from a vast distance. 6. The inside of the castle is home to a magnificent palace, an ancient mosque, and a few secret passages. 7. In 1983, Kars Castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and architectural significance. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era