Murtaza Castle

Murtaza Castle, locally known as Murtaza Kalesi, lies on a hill north of the village of the same name, in the province of Niğde in Turkey.

Murtaza Castle is thought to have been built during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, in the first half of the 7th century, to protect the area against the Sasanians. Later, during the 10th century, it served to protect the area against the Arabs. When the area finally fell to the Arabs, the castle probably was used by them too.

The castle was built upon a rocky ridge above a mountain valley. Next to it is a small mountain meadow, which is probably the site where the village of Murtaza first stood.

Murtaza Castle is freely accessible. A real nice castle ruin, very much off the beaten path.

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