A 400-Year-Old history lies in Eastern Turkey. Within the scope of a project, restoration works will begin to revive a 400-year-old castle. So, the Hoşap Castle takes place near the Van-Hakkâri highway in Turkey’s east. According to the state-run Anadolu Agency’s report, restoration works will begin very soon.
Hoşap Castle Waits to Return Its Glorious Days
Hoşap Castle was built in the 16th century on the foundation of an Urartian castle. And then, later on, the castle served as a palace for many years. So, it will retrieve its former glory after restoration works. Within the scope of these works, authorities will clear and destroy the abandoned structures around it.
Hoşap Castle has a mesmerizing scene and splendid architecture
What does Will happen to the Building Around Hoşap Castle?
The authorities will rebuild the abandoned structures around the historical castle and the surrounding workplaces. So, the new constructions will be compatible with the Ottoman and Seljuk architecture. Therefore, the government devotes a budget worth 30 million Turkish Liras ($3.6 million) to the project.
Hoşap Castle was built in the 16th century on the foundation of an Urartian castle
Restoration Works Will Increase Tourism Activity in the Region
Both the national and local authorities expect the historical site to increase the tourism activity in the region after the restoration. The castle, by the way, is one of the 13 castles in the country with a “chateau” appearance. What’s more, it also resembles an eagle’s nest since the building is on high rocks.
35,000-Square-Metres Huge Area
They will carry out the recreation and landscape work in accordance with the historical texture of the castle in an area. As for the area, it contains over 35,000 square meters and furthermore, it will all be in line with the first phase of the project.
The foundation stones of the Hoşap Castle’s entrance bastion bear the characteristics of Urartu masonry
From the Urartu Period to the Present Day
The castle takes place on a steep rock mass in the northwest of Hoşap River. Moreover, the castle consists of an inner castle and an outer castle on the north side. The history of the castle dates back to the Urartu period and it was Mahmudi Bey from the Ottoman Empire who built the Hoşap Castle. So, the historical site has survived to the present day.
The authorities will rebuild the abandoned structures around the historic site
The Architectural Importance of Hoşap Castle
The foundation stones of the Hoşap Castle’s entrance bastion bear the characteristics of Urartu masonry. The medieval fortress of the 17th century has largely been destroyed over time and they covered up the Urartian ruins.
3,000-Year-Old Castle: A Brief History
Archaeologists say that the people of the region know the structure as Derbend Castle. “My examinations showed that this castle might be from the early Iron Age. The remains of stones and ceramic pieces on the ground prove that this place was a settlement. Probably it was a tableland settlement. Traces show us that it dates back to the pre-Urartian era, namely the early Iron Age. This age starts in 1800 B.C. and continues through 1200-1300 B.C. We already know that castle architecture began in this era and continued later on.”
The Castle consists of an inner castle and an outer castle on the north side
Further Examinations Needed
A professor said they had made preliminary examinations in the castle and archaeologists should make further examinations. “We have informed the Van Museum about the castle. However, since the castle is not in records, works will start soon for they have to document it first,” he added.
“This is a castle from 3,000 years ago,” he said. “They mostly took place in valleys overlooking the valleys and tablelands. It is possible to see all these features here.”