Kars Castle

Kars Castle is a defensive structure located in the city center of Kars in northeastern Türkiye. The castle holds a place among the region’s cultural heritage due to its military strategic position and the various repairs and functional changes it underwent throughout history. Built on a hill north of the Kars River, it is one of the most prominent features of the city’s skyline.

Kars Castle (Kars Municipality)

History

Kars Castle is generally believed to have been first constructed in the 10th century during the Bagratid period. At that time it was built by the Bagratid dynasty, which was associated with the Georgian kingdoms, for defensive purposes. In 1064, following the conquest of Kars by Sultan Alp Arslan of the Great Seljuk Empire, the castle came under Turkish control.

In 1153, under the orders of Saltukid ruler Izzeddin, the castle was rebuilt by Abu’l-Hasan. However, during Timur’s campaign in Anatolia in 1386, the castle suffered extensive damage. During the Ottoman period, it was repaired and strengthened notably in the 16th century under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and Sultan Murad III. In the 19th century, during the Ottoman-Russian wars, the castle regained military significance. It was captured by Russian forces during the Ottoman-Russian wars of 1828–1829 and 1877–1878, during which the castle and its surroundings suffered serious damage.

Architectural Features

Kars Castle has a rectangular plan oriented along a northeast-southwest axis. Basalt stone was used in its construction. Various repairs made over time are clearly visible in the walls of the outer ramparts, inner citadel, and towers. The castle features seven towers and five gates. Its most important gate is the Main Entrance Gate on the western side. Inside, remnants of various military structures, storage facilities, an armory, and a mosque can be found.

The Celal Baba Türbesi within the castle grounds is dedicated to Celal Baba, a Saltukid commander who fell in battle in the 12th century. Due to its location, the castle offers a commanding view of both the city center and its surrounding areas.

Cultural and Strategic Significance

Throughout history, Kars Castle has formed the foundation of Kars city’s defensive fabric, going beyond its role as a military headquarters. Moreover, it served as a key reference point in urban planning during both the Ottoman and Russian periods. During the 19th-century wars, the area around the castle was developed into a fortified defensive system, effectively transforming the city into a garrison town.

Today, the castle is preserved as a monument of both historical and touristic value. Restoration efforts led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have sought to maintain the structure’s authenticity. It is also regarded as one of the primary symbols of Kars’s cultural identity.