Kiğı (Görgeç) Castle

Its story

The historic settlement of Kiğı developed around the castle built on rocky Görgeç Hill, northeast of the present district center. When the castle was built is unknown. After it was damaged in Mongol attacks in the early 13th century and lost its importance, the settlement shifted downhill, around today's Eskişehir (Kaleli) neighborhood; in later centuries the town grew on its present site. The castle, whose origins are thought to go back to the Urartian period, bears traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods; it is also known as the Şehitler Kalesi (Martyrs' Castle). As the northern and western slopes are very steep, the climb is made from the south, and the hilltop opens onto a wide view. Throughout history the region was ruled by Armenian, Byzantine, Kurdish and Turkish dynasties; in the Ottoman period Kiğı was a sanjak center. The castle, now in ruins, is regarded as the oldest witness of the town's long past and one of the district's main sights.

Period

Middle Ages (construction date unknown)

Admission

Open area

Getting there

Northeast of the Kiğı district center; climb from the south slope

Visit duration

1 hour

Trip purpose

• Photography

Location

39.32616, 40.37553

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