Divriği Castle is a castle located in Divriği district of Sivas Province, situated on a rocky terrain overlooking the Çaltı Stream. The structure that has survived to the present day dates back to the Mengujekid period. A two-line inscription above the castle gate states that the castle was built in 1181 by Mengujekid ruler Seyfeddin Şahin Shah bin Süleyman. The architect is identified as Hasan bin Firuz from Megara.

^{Divriği Castle (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Architectural Features

The castle was constructed using ashlar masonry and consists of two main sections: the inner and outer castles. Today, only a portion of the outer walls remains standing. These walls enclose an area of approximately 1.5 kilometers and are supported by round and square-planned towers. The entrance of the castle has been completely destroyed. Inside the castle, there are remains of structures such as granaries, armories, cisterns, water wells, and barracks. Only one square-planned tower has survived to the present day. There is also a cave within the castle, though it has not been thoroughly studied.

Lion Tower and Inner Castle

One of the significant structures of the castle is the monumental Lion Tower (Aslanlı Burç), which has a façade width of 10 meters and a height of 8 meters. The inner castle walls extending northward from the Lion Tower have mostly collapsed, with only the base remains of some towers and curtain walls surviving. The structure represents an authentic example of a Turkish castle from its foundation to its towers.

Kesdoğan Castle

Located near Divriği Castle, Kesdoğan Castle lacks detailed historical information. However, due to its position, it is thought to have functioned as a watchtower for Divriği Castle. It is situated on a high and pointed hill, offering a clear view of the deep canyon along the Çaltı Stream.

Restoration Works

Divriği Castle has a history of 792 years and was taken under restoration by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2015. The restoration was halted in 2017 due to financial reasons but resumed five years later. Locally sourced stones, as in the original construction, are being used in the restoration. The project aims to be completed as soon as possible.