Bezabde, Roman fortress in modern Turkey
Bezabde is an ancient Roman fortress in southeastern Turkey, in Şırnak Province, built to defend the area and control trade routes. The ruins display thick stone walls, tower remains, and foundations spread across the landscape, showing Roman military construction methods and the scale of the settlement.
The fortress was built during Roman rule to protect the eastern frontier against Persian attacks and was strategically vital for controlling the region. Around 360, Bezabde came under siege twice and eventually fell to the Sasanian forces under Shapur II, with this loss confirmed by a peace treaty in 363.
The site reflects centuries of human settlement shaped by different peoples who left their marks on the stones. Local traditions and legends connected to the area show how ancient Roman history blends with later religious stories in the memories of nearby communities.
The site is located in a quiet, rarely visited area, allowing visitors to walk through the ruins at their own pace and observe details without crowds. The surrounding landscape is hilly with sparse vegetation, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water when exploring.
The exact location of Bezabde was misidentified for many years until archaeologists determined it lay about 13 kilometers northwest of Cizre at a place called Eski Hendek, not where it was originally thought to be. This discovery correction helped researchers better understand the site's history and Roman presence in the region.
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