The Rise and Fall of a Strategic Roman CityDara, also known as Daras, was once a vital fortress city on the border of the East Roman Empire and the Sassanid Persian Empire. Located in what is now the Mardin Province of Turkey, this city played a key role in the Roman-Persian conflicts of late antiquity….
Fortifications
Bozcaada Castle
Bozcaada Castle, located on Bozcaada Island in the Aegean Sea, holds a prominent place in Turkey’s historical and architectural heritage. This strategic fortress has guarded the island and its surrounding waters since antiquity, serving various empires and witnessing the region’s complex history. Built by multiple rulers and restructured over centuries, Bozcaada Castle is a prime…
Gavur Castle
Gavur Castle, also known as Gavurkalesi, is an ancient Hittite fortress located in modern-day Turkey, approximately 60 kilometers west of Ankara. The fortress dates to the second millennium BC and represents a significant remnant of Hittite civilization. Its location on a rocky hill offers a strategic vantage point over the surrounding plains, suggesting its importance…
Zerzevan Castle
Zerzevan Castle, located in southeastern Turkey, is a key archaeological site that offers valuable insights into the Roman Empire’s eastern defenses. This historic fortress, strategically positioned on a hill along the ancient trade route connecting Amida (modern-day Diyarbakır) and Dara (in Mardin Province), reveals much about the military architecture, religious practices, and daily lives of…
Hoşap Castle
Hoşap Castle, located in southeastern Turkey, is a significant medieval fortress known for its well-preserved architecture and strategic history. Situated in the Van Province, it overlooks the Hoşap River, which is critical to the area’s defense and settlement history. Built primarily in the 17th century, the castle served as a defensive stronghold and administrative center…
Haspet Castle
Haspet Castle, located in eastern Turkey, serves as an enduring symbol of medieval fortification architecture. Constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries AD, the castle reveals the strategic importance of this region in medieval times. Positioned near the present-day city of Batman, Haspet Castle was historically used to control the surrounding valleys and trade routes.Architectural…