Mardin Fortress
Mardin Fortress
- Mardin Castle is a 3,000-year-old defensive fortress in the city of Mardin, Turkey.
- It stands on a hill overlooking the old town, built with impressive stonework. More than 3,000 years ago, it was the central point around which the city grew. The castle even gave the city its modern name. During the time of the Roman Empire, it was known as Marida (Merida), meaning “fortress” in Neo-Aramaic language. Over time, Marida became Mardin.
- The current castle was built in 975-976 on the hill by the Hamdanis. It sits 1200 meters above sea level, with a length of 1000 meters and a width ranging from 30 to 150 meters. Historical reports mention various additions inside the castle over time, including storage areas, wells, and bathhouses. Known as the “Eagle’s Nest” due to its strategic position, the castle used to have six gates.
- Throughout history, Mardin Castle hosted various rulers, from the Mitanni, Assyrian, and Persian empires to the Romans, Byzantines, and beyond. Evidence suggests that people lived inside the castle at one time. Additionally, its storage rooms could hold large amounts of ammunition and food.
- Today, Mardin Castle is in need of restoration. It’s closed to the public because there’s a military base with a large NATO radar inside. In 2012, officials from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) hoped to open the castle to tourism, but as of six years later, the situation remains the same. So, personal photos and videos from the castle are unavailable, but others may have captured its beauty.
