Kütahya Castle

Kütahya Castle is one of the historical structures located in the center of Kütahya province, in the Maruf Neighborhood, place. Castle was constructed on a hill dominating the city and historical was used during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Germiyanid and Ottoman periods. Kütahya Castle is particularly notable for its Byzantine-era construction techniques and strategic location. The castle consists of three distinct sections: “Upper Castle”, “Inner Castle” and “Lower Castle”. Each section contains structures and functions dating from different periods. The surviving ramparts and towers were built using Byzantine wall construction techniques and indicate that the castle was reinforced by successive cultures to maintain its existence.

Kütahya Castle (Kütahya Governorship)

History and Construction Process

The history of Kütahya Castle extends back to the Byzantine Empire. The castle, mentioned in Evliya Çelebi’s Travelogue, is built upon the foundations of Byzantine-era ramparts. Believed to have been constructed especially in the 8th century, the castle was subsequently used by the Germiyanids and then the Ottomans following the decline of the Byzantine Empire. During the Seljuk period, the castle underwent various repairs and played a significant military and administrative important role during the Ottoman era.

Kütahya Castle is especially notable for its Ottoman-era military structures. During the Ottoman period, the castle was strengthened for defensive purposes due to its strategic importance. Some of the military structures from this period can be observed in the towers and ramparts located within the “Inner Castle” and “Upper Castle”. During the Germiyanid period, additions to the castle further strengthened its defenses. Notable structures within the castle include the 1377 Germiyanid Süleyman Shah period Kütahya Castle Bala Mosque and the Lower Fortress Mosque, like which hold significant historical value.

Architectural Features

The architecture of Kütahya Castle bears traces of various civilizations throughout its history. The castle is typically enclosed by ramparts, whose walls are constructed from a combination of cut stone and brick. The castle walls originate from the Byzantine period and were later reinforced and expanded during the Ottoman and Seljuk eras. The entire perimeter of the castle is surrounded by a wall approximately three kilometers in length. Along the ramparts stand tall and robust towers that played a crucial role in the castle’s defense.

The “Inner Castle” within Kütahya Castle was generally used for administrative functions. Within the Inner Castle there is a mosque, various military structures and storehouses. Additionally, dungeons and armories from the Ottoman period in Kütahya Castle are also of particular interest.

Archaeological Research and Excavations

As a site that has been inhabited by many civilizations throughout history, Kütahya Castle holds great archaeological significance. Excavations conducted in 2020 and 2021 at Kütahya Castle yielded important findings shedding light on its past. These excavations were carried out in various areas of the castle, particularly around the towers and ramparts. In the 2020 excavations, as part of a lighting project at the castle, various boreholes were drilled and non-invasive studies were conducted. During these investigations, ceramics, silver coins and glass artifacts dating to the Byzantine, Ottoman and Beylik periods were discovered.

Excavation Work (Anadolu Agency)

In 2021, excavation work continued in a more systematic manner, with trenches opened around the 28th and 29th towers of the Upper Castle. During these excavations, systems constructed with brick and rough stone were uncovered. Among the finds were ceramics from the Roman, Byzantine, Beylik and Ottoman periods, baked soil pipes and various metal artifacts. Additionally, during restoration work at the castle, silver coins and various metal objects from the Ottoman period were also discovered.