Cizre Castle, castle in Cizre, Şırnak, Turkey

Cizre Castle is a large stone fortress on the edge of the Tigris River in the city center, divided into an outer wall and inner sections. The ruins reveal layers from different periods, including pieces from Roman and Byzantine times, with more extensive structures added in the 12th century.

The site was occupied in Roman and Byzantine times, but the current fortress was built primarily by Zengid rulers in the 12th century. It later served various dynasties, including the Kurdish Bohtan emirate that controlled the region from the 13th century onward.

The castle's name reflects its position near a curve in the Tigris River that once made the city look like an island. Today, residents see it as a link to their past and to the different rulers and peoples who shaped this region over many centuries.

The fortress sits in the center of Cizre right next to the Tigris River and is easy to locate. The site has no modern facilities, but offers open access to walk around the ruins, walls, and towers without crowds.

The fortress served not only as military defense but also as a control point for trade routes along the Tigris. Its position allowed earlier rulers to monitor river traffic and secure revenue and regional power.

• GPS coordinates: 37.32935,42.19317
• Latest update: February 9, 2026 07:41