Castle of Kars, Medieval fortification on hilltop in Kars, Turkey
The Castle of Kars is a medieval fortress built entirely from basalt stone, standing on a hilltop in the city of Kars in northeastern Turkey. Thick defensive walls connect several towers, and a number of gates open into different sections of the grounds.
The fortress was founded in the mid-12th century under a sultanate and was rebuilt several times after invasions and destructions over the following centuries. Each rebuilding phase left its mark on the layout and stonework that visitors can see today.
A mosque inside the walls was rebuilt in the 1990s, showing that the site has stayed connected to religious life across the centuries. Near the entrance, the tomb of Jelal Baba draws visitors who come to pay their respects.
Visiting during daylight hours makes it easier to take in the stonework and the views over the city from the higher parts of the site. Sturdy footwear is a good idea since the ground is uneven and some areas involve stone steps or steep terrain.
The basalt used to build the fortress gives the walls a dark, almost black color that makes the structure look unlike most other medieval fortresses in Turkey. This stone was quarried locally, which means the building material and the landscape around it share the same geological origin.
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