Körteke Castle

Körteke Castle is an ancient fortress built on a high hill near the sky in the Bozdoğan district of Aydın. Have you ever wondered why people in the past chose such elevated locations to protect themselves and their cities? Körteke Kalesi, with its position offering a view of everything around it, resembles a giant watchtower preserved from antiquity to the present day.

Körteke Kalesi is located on a high place called "Kale Tepe" to the northeast of Körteke Village, which belongs to the Bozdoğan district of Aydın. It is approximately 40 kilometers from the Bozdoğan town center. To reach it, follow the road to Çamlıdere Village until you arrive at the hill where the castle stands.

^{Körteke Kalesi (}Bozdoğan Belediyesi⁾

At the highest point of the castle lies the "acropolis," the safest section of ancient cities. On the eastern and western sides of this section are towers, and in the center is a cistern used for storing water. The southern side of the castle is surrounded by an inner wall with three towers, built approximately 2,500 years ago.

^{Körteke Kalesi (}Kültür Portali⁾

It is believed that this castle was once the center of an ancient city named Xyatis. When examining the castle walls, we can observe traces from different periods, indicating that the fortress was used over centuries by various communities. This site is a unique settlement constructed by the inhabitants of the region known as "Inner Caria" in their distinctive style.

Approximately 2,500 years ago (5th century BCE), skilled builders in this region constructed the castle’s walls and towers, transforming it into a secure city.