Van Fortress, Stone fortress in Van Province, Turkey
Van Fortress is a massive stone fortification perched on a steep rocky bluff overlooking Lake Van, constructed from basalt blocks and mud bricks. The site contains multiple interior structures, including royal stables and various chambers built directly into the rock face.
The fortress began as the capital of the Urartian Kingdom during the Iron Age between the 9th and 7th centuries BC. It subsequently fell under the control of successive empires who modified and occupied it over the following centuries.
The Royal Stable contains religious inscriptions that reveal how the Urartians honored sacred animals for their gods. Walking through this space, you can sense the ritual importance animals held in their religious life.
The archaeological site sits roughly 3 kilometers from Van city center and is accessible to visitors year-round. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as the terrain is uneven and the sun exposure is strong throughout the day.
Carved into the rock face is a trilingual inscription from the 5th century BC left by King Xerxes I. The text appears in Old Persian, Babylonian, and Elamite, revealing the interconnections between empires of that era.
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