Bitlis Castle

Bitlis Castle is a historical structure built on a natural rock formation in the city center of Bitlis in Türkiye’s Eastern Anatolia Region. Dominating the center of Bitlis city, the castle is surrounded by the Dideban Creek to the east and the İskender Creek to the west, which functioned as natural moats around its perimeter.

History

The exact construction date of Bitlis Castle is unknown, but historical sources indicate that it was built around 312 BCE by Bedlis (Badlis), one of Alexander the Great’s commanders. Throughout history, due to its strategic location, the castle came under the control of numerous civilizations. According to Islamic sources, the region was conquered by Islamic armies under the command of Iyaz ibn Ganem between 638 and 641 CE. Subsequently, it passed through the rule of the Umayyads, Abbasids, Byzantines, Great Seljuks, Dilmaçoğulları, Ayyubids, Khwarazmians, Anatolian Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Kara Koyunlu, Ak Koyunlu, Safavids, and finally came under Ottoman administration in 1514.

Bitlis Castle. (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Architectural Features

Bitlis Castle is a large defensive structure extending in a north-south direction, with a perimeter of approximately 2800 to 3000 meters, a height of 56 meters, and a width of 7 meters. The curtain walls were constructed using precisely cut stones and reinforced with various towers. A total of 670 machicolations have been identified within the castle; beneath these, enclosed chambers designed for defensive purposes are located. The approaches to the castle are bordered by steep cliffs, eliminating the need for a man-made moat.

Settlement and Structures

During the Ottoman period, Bitlis Castle served as an administrative and military center and underwent significant restoration in the 16th century. Miniatures from Matrakçı Nasuh and accounts by Evliya Çelebi indicate that within the castle there was a palace, a bazaar, a covered market, a bathhouse, two mosques, a marketplace, a caravanserai, and approximately 300 houses. These structures demonstrate that the castle was not only a military stronghold but also a center of civilian life.

Archaeological Findings and Excavations

Archaeological excavations at the castle began in 2004 and were renewed with renewed momentum in 2018 and 2022. Conducted in collaboration between Ahlat Museum and Bitlis Eren University, these excavations have yielded numerous artifacts including many pipes (tobacco pipes), ceramics, glass, metal objects, coins, keys, ammunition fragments, and cannonballs. Particularly, Ottoman-era tobacco pipes reveal the extent to which tobacco culture was widespread in the region. Over 113 pipes of various forms and decorations have been identified, some of which were locally produced while others were imported.

During the 2022 excavations, work conducted in the palace area and south of the Sinan Bey Hamam uncovered drainage channels, street structures, and ground leveling layers. Notably, unglazed ceramics were found in large quantities, providing insight into daily life within the castle. These unglazed ceramics consist of vessels used for cooking, storage, serving, and lighting. Technical analyses revealed that the ceramics were manufactured using additives such as mica, lime, sand, crushed stone, and quartz. The clay body colors range widely from reddish-brown to pink. Keys and locking mechanisms believed to belong to the palace entrance, as well as künk systems serving water distribution, were also discovered. The water distribution system was found to consist of a two-tiered künk network directed toward the palace area. These findings provide significant information regarding Ottoman engineering practices.

Key and Associated Apparatus Believed to Belong to the Palace. (Anadolu Agency)

Current Condition

Today, Bitlis Castle survives only in the form of structural remains. Thanks to ongoing excavation and restoration efforts carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with Ahlat Museum and local universities, the castle is now under protection. As of 2024, it has been reported that the palace section has been largely uncovered and a five-year excavation and public awareness plan is being implemented. Bitlis Castle’s historical and cultural heritage holds significant potential both from a scientific perspective and for regional tourism.

Illumination of the Castle. (Anadolu Agency)