History and archaeology / Castle
Ayanis Castle
Tuşba, Van
The last great castle of the Urartian King Rusa II, on a hill overlooking Lake Van, with a temple of Haldi and storage buildings uncovered by excavations.
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Its story
The castle, built on a hill overlooking the lake near the village of Ayanis about 35 km north of Van, was commissioned in the 7th century BC by the Urartian King Rusa II according to the inscription in front of its gate, and bore the name Rusahinili Eidurukai, meaning 'the city of Rusa in front of Mount Eiduru (Süphan)'. The castle, covering a hill about 400 meters long, was surrounded by two walls; the temple area at the highest point and the pillared hall are among the most original examples of Urartian religious architecture. Excavations ongoing since 1989 have found many storage buildings lined with large jars. It has been understood that the castle was destroyed by an earthquake shortly afterwards and resettled in the Middle Ages. From the hill there is a view of Lake Van and Mount Süphan.
Key facts
- Period
- 7th century BC (Urartian)
- Getting there
- Van–Erciş road, ~35 km north of central Van
- Visit duration
- 1 hour
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
38.70839, 43.21120
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayanis_Kalesi | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayanis | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437559/ayanis-kalesi.html | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437244/tusba.html | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/185622364