Oltu Castle, Medieval fortress in Oltu, Turkey
Oltu Castle is a stone fortress perched on a rocky hill in the town center, overlooking where the Narman and Sivri rivers meet. The inner courtyard remains walkable, while the outer walls show signs of age and reveal different architectural layers from various historical periods.
The fortress dates back to the Urartu period in the 3rd century BCE and later served as an important stronghold for the Byzantines, Georgians, and Ottomans. This shifting rule is reflected in the different building styles visible today in its surviving structures.
The fortress displays traces of its varied religious past through ruins of a Georgian church with six apses and a prayer area. The burial site within draws visitors who want to understand the spiritual significance the place holds for local people.
The inner area is accessible, but the outer walls are partially damaged and require careful movement. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for exploring, when the weather is mild and the paths are less slippery.
The tomb inside belongs to Judge Zinnun, who continued fighting in 1655 despite serious injuries and earned the name 'The Martyr Who Kept His Head'. This story makes the site meaningful for visitors exploring local tales of resistance and courage.
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