History and archaeology / Castle
Pertek Castle
Pertek, Tunceli
A castle that became an island in the middle of the water when the Keban Dam Lake filled, with origins attributed to the Urartians and its present form from the Mengujekid period.
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Its story
Before the Keban Dam, Pertek Castle overlooked the old town of Pertek from the tip of a pointed rock on the bank of the Murat River. When the reservoir filled in 1974, its surroundings were covered by water and the castle took on its present island appearance. Its origins are thought to go back to the Urartian period; the Italian archaeologist Roberto Dan suggests that details worked into the rock reflect Urartian technique and that the castle was founded to control the nearby copper mines. The present structure is accepted as having been built by the Mengujekids after the 11th century and repaired in the Ottoman period. The walls are built of natural stone blocks, with tiles and bricks used in the southern walls; inside there are cisterns. Evliya Çelebi mentions an eagle statue in the castle. The Elazığ–Pertek ferry passes near the castle and offers a good view during the crossing.
Key facts
- Period
- Urartian origins; 11th–12th century Mengujekid, Ottoman repairs
- Admission
- Open area (access conditions may change)
- Getting there
- Elazığ–Pertek ferry and the Pertek shore
- Visit duration
- 1 hour
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
38.84376, 39.27170
Reviews
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pertek_Kalesi | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pertek_Castle | https://goturkiye.com/tunceli/48-hours | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/209209101