Pertek Castle, Medieval fortress in Tunceli Province, Turkey
Pertek Castle is a stone fortress sitting on a small island in the Keban Reservoir in Tunceli Province, Turkey. The structure has thick defensive walls, water storage cisterns, and an entrance on the northwest side.
The fortress was built in the 11th century by the Seljuk Mengujekids, though the area had already been fortified during the Urartian Kingdom. Over the centuries, many rulers took control of the site before it was transformed by the flooding of the valley in the 20th century.
The name of the castle comes from the Armenian word Berdak, a reminder of the many peoples who once lived in this region. Walking around the old walls, you can see how the stones carry the marks of different hands and different eras.
The castle is best reached by ferry from Elazig, which carries both people and vehicles across the reservoir to the island. It is a good idea to check ferry availability in advance, since services can change depending on the season and water levels.
When the Keban Dam was completed in 1974, the rising water flooded the surrounding valley and turned the hill where the castle stood into an island. The original village of Pertek now lies at the bottom of the lake.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
