Ankara Castle
Ankara Kalesi is a historical structure rising on a hill dominating Ankara and one of the city’s oldest symbols. 🌄
Throughout history it has been repaired many times due to its dual use as both a defensive fortress and a settlement, allowing it to survive in strong condition to the present day. 💪
📜 The Thousand-Year History of the Fortress
Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, its history extends far back:
🟡 Ancient Period
- When the Galatians arrived in Ankara in the early 2nd century BCE the fortress already existed.
- Roman Emperor Caracalla had its walls repaired during his journey through Anatolia. 🏛️
🔴 Wars and Repairs
- In 620 CE the Sassanids captured the fortress and caused damage. ⚔️
- In 629 the Byzantines recaptured the fortress and restored it.
- During the Byzantine period the walls were raised and inner fortress walls were constructed in the 7th century. 🧱
🟢 Turkish Period
- After the Battle of Manzikert the Seljuks took control of the fortress.
- Alaeddin Keykubad and II. Keykavus expanded the fortress and added new sections.
During the Ottoman period the fortress was continuously repaired and its outer walls extended. 🏗️
Ankara Kalesi (Kültür Portalı)
🧱 The Grand Architecture of the Fortress
🛡️ Inner and Outer Fortress
The fortress consists of two sections designed to strengthen its defense: the Inner Fortress and the Outer Fortress.
🏯 Walls and Towers
- The height of the walls ranges between 8 and 10 metres.
- The Inner Fortress contains 42 pentagonal towers, each 14 to 16 metres high.
💖 Shape and Location
- The Outer Fortress encircles Ankara in a heart-shaped layout.
- The fortress stands approximately 110 metres above Hatip Çayı.
🧱 Construction Materials
- The lower sections are built from large stone blocks.
- The upper sections are constructed of brick.
🚪 Gates and Inscriptions
- There are two main gates providing access to the Inner Fortress: Dış Kapı and Hisar Kapısı.
- An inscription from the Ilkhanid period is located above Hisar Kapısı. 📜
🏡 Life Within the Fortress
Historic houses from the Ottoman period still stand within the fortress. 🏘️
Some of these houses have been restored and converted into shops and restaurants. 🍽️🛍️
