Van Fortress, Stone fortress in Van Province, Turkey
The massive stone fortification stands on a steep bluff, featuring walls constructed with basalt blocks and mud bricks rising above Lake Van.
The fortress originated as the capital of the Urartian Kingdom during the Iron Age, between the 9th and 7th centuries BC, later controlled by various empires.
The Royal Stable within the fortress contains religious inscriptions and served as a storage area for animals intended for ceremonial sacrifices to Urartian deities.
The archaeological site sits 3 kilometers from Van city center, with local transportation routes connecting visitors to the entrance throughout the day.
A trilingual inscription from the 5th century BC, carved by Xerxes I, remains preserved on the rock face, displaying text in Old Persian, Babylonian, and Elamite.
Location: Van Province
Location: İpekyolu
GPS coordinates: 38.50222,43.34000
Latest update: May 11, 2025 06:47
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