Peterek Castle

Peterek Castle, locally known as Peterek Kalesi or Çevreli Kalesi, lies on a rocky outcrop above the village of Çevreli, in the province of Artvin in Turkey.

When Peterek Castle was exactly built is unknown. It was built out of rubble masonry as a Bagratid stronghold in medieval times. It was first known as Pert-Egrek which evolved to Peterek until the name of the village was changed into Çevreli. It was one of the largest and most important castles in the Çoruh valley.

This is all the information I was able to find about Peterek Castle. So, if you know more, please mail me.

The castle sits on a rock overlooking the village on the northern shore of the Çoruh River. Most of its exterior walls are still standing, except for its eastern side. On the exterior of one outer wall, you can see a peculiar horizontal wooden beam, inserted in the stonework. I have no idea of its function. I only came across something similar in Tortum Castle.

Peterek Castle is freely accessible but finding the path leading to it can be a challenge, which I was helped to overcome by a friendly villager. A very nice castle that hopefully won't be affected too much by the future reservoir of the Yusufeli Dam, which is being built at present.

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