Kale Köyü Castle

Kale Village Castle is located in Kale Village, within the Mazgirt district of Tunceli. The castle was built atop a tall and steep cliff, making it an ideal location for both defense against enemies and wide-ranging surveillance of the surrounding area. In ancient times, the soldiers guarding the castle could easily observe the entire valley from this vantage point.

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What Kind of Place Is It?

Kale Village Castle was entirely carved out of natural rock formations. Rather than constructing the castle by stacking stones, ancient builders shaped the rock itself into a fortress. This makes it distinctly different from other castles.

Notable features inside the castle include:

• Rock-carved entrance: Access to the castle is through a narrow and well-protected stone doorway.
• Inscribed stone: Next to the entrance is an ancient Urartian inscription. This stone helps us determine the castle’s age and historical period.
• Rock-cut stairway traces: Although worn by time, these steps once provided access to the upper sections of the castle.
• Rock tombs: Two tombs are carved into the rock within the castle, indicating that the dead of that era were buried directly into the stone.
• Tunnel: A tunnel approximately 30 to 40 meters long may have served as an escape route or shelter during times of danger.
• Cistern: On the eastern side, a water reservoir has been carved into the rock, allowing inhabitants to access water without needing to leave the castle for extended periods.

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History

This castle dates back to the Urartian period. The Urartians were a powerful civilization that inhabited Anatolia during the 7th century BCE. The inscribed stone at the castle’s entrance is one of the most significant remnants of this era. The inscription demonstrates the Urartians’ advanced skill in stone craftsmanship and their sophisticated use of written language.

Current Condition

Today, Kale Village Castle is preserved by the Tunceli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Due to its elevated location, access is somewhat difficult, but the ruins remain standing. It is a site of great interest for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.