Harput Castle (Süt Castle)

Harput Castle was constructed in the 8th century BCE by the Urartians and is regarded as one of the oldest and most significant historical remnants in the region. The castle derives its name from “Harput,” which means “Stone Castle,” referring to its robust and durable stonework. The castle consists of two main sections: the inner citadel and the outer walls. The inner citadel served a more central and defensive purpose, while the outer walls formed protective barriers surrounding the city.

Outer Walls and Gates

To the north of Harput’s outer walls lies the “Meteris Gate,” and to the west is the “Dağ (Dar) Gate.” Today, a large portion of the outer walls has been destroyed, with only small fragments remaining. This condition reflects the damage the castle has sustained throughout its history.

Harput Castle - AA

Historical Periods and Civilizations

The castle has come under the control of various civilizations and has been known by different names, including “Ziata Castellum,” “Kharpete,” and “Hısn-ı Ziyad.”

In 1085, it was captured from the Byzantine general Phileretos by Çubukoğlu and came under the rule of the Çubukoğulları. In 1115, it became the center of the Artukids under Emir Belek Gazi. Belek Gazi achieved significant victories against the Crusaders and captured numerous Crusader leaders.

Belek Gazi and the Crusades

Belek Gazi’s campaigns against the Crusaders enhanced the military and strategic importance of Harput Castle. Important Crusader leaders such as King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, Count Jocelin de Courtenay of Edessa, and Lord Galeran du Puiset of Birecik were captured and imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons. This underscores the castle’s political and military power in the region.

Architectural Preservation and Restorations

The Artukid period contributed significantly to the preservation of Harput Castle’s original structure. During the Ottoman Empire, particularly after Yavuz Sultan Selim incorporated the region into Ottoman territory in 1515, the castle came under Ottoman administration. Throughout the Ottoman period, the castle and its surroundings were reinforced with additional structures and continued to function as a settlement and administrative center.

Archaeological Excavations and Rescue Operations

Archaeological and rescue excavations in Harput Inner Citadel, which began in 2005, are still ongoing. Conducted under the framework of Ottoman Archaeology, these excavations have uncovered neighborhood schools, a castle mosque, commercial shops, residences, workshops, and tunnels within and around the castle.

Additionally, significant infrastructure structures have been discovered, including a water cistern 36 meters deep with a 100-step stone staircase. This cistern played a critical role in meeting the castle’s water needs.

Harput Castle Excavation Works - AA

Legends Associated with Harput Castle

Various legends surround the construction of the castle. The most well-known claims that animal milk was used instead of water in preparing the mortar.

According to tradition, due to a drought during construction, milk from sheep and other livestock grazing nearby was channeled through wooden pipes to the construction site. Eggs and white lime were added to the milk to create a special mortar, which was then placed between the stones. For this reason, Harput Castle is also known locally as the “Milk Castle.”

Historical and Cultural Significance

Harput Castle is not merely a military structure but also a rich cultural heritage site bearing the traces of diverse civilizations in the region. Throughout history, it has served as a vital center for political, military, social, and economic activities, shaping regional life through the settlements and commercial establishments that developed around it.

Current archaeological efforts continue to enhance understanding and preservation of Harput Castle’s history.