Harput Castle
Situated over the rocks which are dominating the Elazig
plain
and history of the citadel goes back to Urartu period.
There are rooms and secret
passageways carved into rocks during the Urartian era in the Citadel. It is known from historical
documents the castle was dominated by Romans, Byzantiums and Arabs.
According to a legend; milk was used
and mixed to the cement of the constructure in order to have a stronger
structure therefore citadel also known in some sources as milk castle .
Castle many times
renovated especially during the principalities period of Anatolia . Castle improved and got bigger with the new parts
added in years .
The main entrance of the
citadel is in the easternside facing to Harput district. Besides main entrance
there are 2 gates located in North and Western sides with the Metris and Dag kapi
names .
Castle formed by two separate part ( interior castle and exterior
castle ). Castle mostly built by the rough
cut and chipped stone blocks and the masonry used in the architechture of
Citadel was superb.
Interior castle has a
small area in size however a mosque ,
bazaar, water cisterns and granaries were fit in the area.
The fascinating view
of the Elazig and Harput from the castle
is impressive .