Pertek Castle, Medieval fortress in Tunceli Province, Turkey
Pertek Castle is a stone fortress sitting on an artificial island in the middle of Keban Reservoir, surrounded by water on all sides. The structure has thick defensive walls, storage cisterns for water, and an entrance positioned on the northwest facing.
The fortress was built in the 11th century by the Seljuk Mengujekids dynasty, though the area had been fortified much earlier during the Urartian Kingdom. This connection to ancient copper mining shows how long people valued this location for its strategic position.
The name comes from the Armenian word Berdak, showing how many different peoples shaped this place over time. Walking around the walls, you sense the layers of civilizations that once called this region home.
The castle is best reached by ferry from Elazig, which carries both people and vehicles across the artificial lake to the island. You should check ferry schedules in advance since services can change with the seasons and water conditions.
The fortress was moved to its current island location in 1974 when the Keban Dam flooded the surrounding area, submerging the old settlement below. This relocation turned the castle into a striking reminder of how modern infrastructure can reshape ancient sites.
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