Kars Castle
Kars Kalesi is a massive and historic fortress built atop steep cliffs in the city of Kars in eastern Türkiye. This structure protected the city for hundreds of years, standing like an ever-vigilant sentinel overlooking its surroundings. What do you say about exploring this enormous stone puzzle, constructed centuries ago by kings and soldiers?
Kars Kalesi (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)
📍 Where Is Kars Kalesi Located?
This captivating fortress is situated in the “Kaleiçi” neighborhood of Kars city. The Kars River flows briskly right beside it. The fortress sits directly atop a high, steep rocky hill in the northern part of the city.
From any point in the city, the fortress is easily visible. Due to its elevated position, it commands a panoramic view of Kars and greets all visitors with full grandeur.
📜How Was It Built and What Happened in Its History?
Kars Kalesi was originally constructed around 800 years ago, in 1153, by a vizier named Firuz Akay. Because of its strategic location, it was attacked numerous times throughout history. In fact, it was destroyed in 1386 by the famous ruler Timur.
⏳ A Journey Through Time
Long after its destruction, the fortress was rebuilt on a grand scale in 1579 by order of Ottoman Sultan Murad III. Imagine that back then there were no cranes or trucks! Enormous basalt stones were stacked one upon another with the help of people and horses to create this vast fortress.
Kars Kalesi (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)
🛡️ What Is Inside the Fortress?
The fortress’s strong outer walls were supported by 220 towers (watchtowers), but only seven of them have survived to the present day. The fortress has three main gates: the Su Kapısı to the west, the Kağızman Kapısı in the center, and the Behram Kapısı to the east.
What awaits you inside these massive gates? Within the fortress you will find barracks where soldiers once rested, armories for storing weapons, the ruins of a centuries-old mosque, and a tomb belonging to Celal Baba.
