Şeytan Castle, Medieval fortress in Çıldır, Turkey
Şeytan Castle is a medieval fortress perched on steep cliffs above the Kura River canyon, defined by defensive walls, a keep, and an entrance gate. The site contains water storage cisterns and an internal chapel that complete its defensive architecture.
The fortress was founded in 1064 and underwent modifications by multiple civilizations over the centuries, including the Urartians, Georgians, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Each conquest left its mark on the structure and its current appearance.
The name Şeytan comes from Turkish legends about supernatural beings said to haunt this place, stories that still circulate among locals today. These tales have become part of how people see and speak about the fortress in the region.
Access to the fortress requires a 15-minute walk on a mountain path starting from Yildirimtepe village. Bring sturdy footwear, as the route is steep and rocky.
The fortress shares architectural similarities with nearby Kinzi Castle in its defensive design and construction, showing how fortresses in this region followed common building patterns. These structural parallels make both sites interesting examples of regional defense architecture.
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