Arpaz Castle

Arpaz Castle is located in Esenköy, within the Nazilli district of Aydın, at the foot of the ancient Carian city of Harpasa. The complex, also referred to in some sources as “Arpaz Tower,” is situated on a large agricultural estate. Remains from the Ottoman period dating to the 17th and 18th centuries have also been found on the site, indicating that the castle was originally constructed at an earlier date and later renovated.

^{Arpaz Castle} (Aydın Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

The castle is constructed of stone and brick, with its fortified perimeter walls supported by buttresses. The complex includes a bey’s mansion, a security tower, a storage warehouse, stables, and auxiliary buildings. The tower was built in the early 19th century by Arpaz Bey Hacı Hasan, using craftsmen brought from Rhodes during the reign of Mahmud II. The basement, used as a prison, contains a sitting room, a bathhouse, a toilet, and a terraced floor with a mazgal.

Arpaz Castle served defensive and observational purposes and also functioned as the administrative center and residence of the Arpaz Beys. It was an important economic hub closely linked to the agricultural lands of the region.

The presence of Ottoman-era remains in certain sections of the castle indicates that it underwent repairs and architectural modifications over time. Renovations carried out in the 19th century strengthened the structure into a more robust defensive system.

Over the years, Arpaz Castle has deteriorated and was donated by the Arpaz family to the Nazilli Municipality for restoration. Restoration work was initiated in 2020 by the Aydın Governorate. Plans are underway to convert the castle into a museum and integrate it into regional tourism.

Arpaz Castle is among the region’s significant historical and architectural heritage sites. Its reopening to the public as a museum following restoration is expected to contribute to regional tourism and play a vital role in promoting local culture.