---
title: Keçi Bastion
slug: keci-bastion-a97b0
url: /detay/keci-bastion-a97b0
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Keçi Bastion
  type: article
  disambiguation: Explore Keçi Bastion, Diyarbakır's largest & oldest city wall tower.  A historical marvel with stunning views!
  categories:
    - name: General Knowledge
      slug: genel-kultur
      url: /kategori/genel-kultur
    - name: Travel And Tourism
      slug: seyahat-ve-turizm
      url: /kategori/seyahat-ve-turizm
  tags:
    - Mervanoğulları
    - Keçi Tower
    - Diyarbakır Walls
    - Tigris River
    - UNESCO World Heritage
author: Meltem Saraç
created_at: 2025-08-16T18:36:27.206530+03:00
updated_at: 2025-09-05T11:12:49.966396+03:00
---

# Keçi Bastion

<!-- CONTEXT: KURE Information Cards for "Keçi Bastion" -->

## KURE Information Cards

![keci-burcujpg.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/08/16/KcJgMggrCh2lOcxSag0uzQ7b58Z26H8j.jpg)
*Keçi Burcu*

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Feature(s) | The oldest and largest tower on the city walls |
| Foundation(Text) | Carved rock mass |
| Material(s) | Traces of repurposed Roman-era materials |
| Architecture(s) | Eleven-arched structure,large interior hall and platform on top of the walls |
| Location | Diyarbakır,Türkiye |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Keçi Bastion" -->

## Article Content

**Keçi Bastion&#32;**is an important part of the fortification system within the boundaries of [Diyarbakır](/en/detay/diyarbakir-province-7097a/llms.txt). It rises on a naturally carved rock mass in the southeastern section of the city walls, east of the [Mardin Gate](/en/detay/mardin-castle-672db/llms.txt). Its strategic location provides a commanding view of the city’s natural and historical landmarks, including the Tigris River, [Hevsel Gardens](/en/detay/diyarbakir-kalesi-ve-havsel-bahceleri-c9dcb/llms.txt), the [Ten-Eyed Bridge](/en/detay/on-gozlu-kopru-b67e8/llms.txt), and Kırklar Mountain. Structurally, the tower is quite large and is considered the largest and oldest tower on the [Diyarbakır city walls](/en/detay/diyarbakir-walls-751d3/llms.txt).

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/07/14/elctA7OHTk0oeHS92znJ0AJR4EG2OnZL.jpg)
*Keçi Tower(Republic of Turkey, Diyarbakır Governorship)*

### **History**

The exact construction date of [Keçi Tower](/en/detay/keci-burcu-19b85/llms.txt) is unknown. However, an inscription on the tower indicates that it was repaired by the Mervanoğulları in 1223. This suggests that the tower has a history dating back at least to the 13th century and was in use during different periods. Although much of the inscription has been damaged, it remains of significant historical value.

### **Architectural Structure and Technical Features**

The tower features an eleven-arched design. Inside, there is a large hall supported by columns, and on the upper floor, a wide platform opens onto the city walls. The motifs on the column capitals and construction techniques reflect architectural influences from multiple periods. Particularly, the column capitals resemble Roman-era forms, suggesting that these elements may have been repurposed from earlier structures. Some academic discussions also consider the possibility that the tower could date entirely to a pre-Islamic period.

### **Artistic Elements and Decoration**

Compared to other towers of the Outer Castle, Keçi Tower is relatively plain. Decorative elements are limited, though some sections feature inscriptions in *thuluth* script and bird motifs. These elements add an artistic dimension to the tower and provide insight into the aesthetic sensibilities of the period. The minimal ornamentation indicates that the tower was primarily designed for functional purposes.

### **Function and Usage**

The architectural features of Keçi Tower suggest that it was used not only for defense but also potentially for cultural or religious purposes. Its eleven-arched layout and interior plan have led some scholars to propose that it may have functioned as a temple at one point. Today, the tower serves as an exhibition hall and hosts cultural events, ensuring its preservation and continued relevance.

### **Conservation and Current Status**

With the inclusion of the Diyarbakır Walls on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Keçi Tower has received increased attention. While largely preserved externally, the interior and inscription areas show partial damage. Ongoing restoration and conservation efforts are crucial for safeguarding the tower for future generations.

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Keçi Bastion" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. Diyarbakır Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Keçi Tower.” Diyarbakır Culture and Tourism Portal. Accessed August 16, 2025. https://diyarbakirkulturturizm.org/Yapit/Details/SURLAR/43/Keci-Burcu/284Diyarbakır Governorship. “Keçi Tower.” Official Website of Diyarbakır Governorship. Accessed August 16, 2025. http://www.diyarbakir.gov.tr/keci-burcuDiyarbakır Promotion Platform. “Keçi Tower.” Diyarbakir.org.tr. Accessed August 16, 2025. https://diyarbakir.org.tr/mekan/keci-burcu/