Ardahan Castle

Ardahan Castle, locally known as Ardahan Kalesi, lies on a plateau on the north bank above the river Kura, in the center of the city of Ardahan, in the province of Ardahan in Turkey.

Archaeological excavations revealed an Early Bronze Age settlement and an accompanying fortification at this site. It is however believed that the first castle here was built during the 12th century during Seljuk rule.

Above the entrance gate there is a stone with an inscription commemorating the renovation of Ardahan Castle, by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, in the mid-16th century.

Ardahan Castle has a somewhat rectangular plan with several square and polygonal wall towers. At present the castle has only one entrance, at its western side. There were several other gates which are now closed.

Up until recently Ardahan Castle was used by the military and not accessible. At present however it is used as a city park and freely accessible during daytime.

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