Harput Castle
Harput Castle
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Harput Castle
Harput Castle
With its walls said to have been mixed with milk, this castle carries as much legend as it does history…
Harput Castle, standing at the highest point of Elazığ, dominates the plain below — a structure both strategic and symbolic.
Also known as the “Milk Castle” (Süt Kalesi), it captivates visitors with its striking stone architecture, spacious inner courtyard, towers, and surrounding ruins.
It served not only as a defensive stronghold but also as a residential area for centuries.
Today, it stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, attracting both local and international visitors.
The foundations of the castle date back to the 8th century BC, during the Kingdom of Urartu.
It was later used by the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Artuqids, and Ottomans, each leaving their own mark on it.
According to legend, milk was used instead of water in the mortar due to a shortage of water during construction — hence the name “Milk Castle.”
The fortress walls, cisterns, and archaeological remains uncovered through excavations reveal thousands of years of continuous history.
As you climb toward the castle walls, pause for a moment and look out over the Elazığ Plain.
A photo taken from here at sunset captures not only the landscape — but also a window into the past.
After your visit, take a short walk through Harput Neighborhood to discover other historic sites such as the Arap Baba Tomb and Ulu Mosque.
With its walls said to have been mixed with milk, this castle carries as much legend as it does history…
Harput Castle, standing at the highest point of Elazığ, dominates the plain below — a structure both strategic and symbolic.
Also known as the “Milk Castle” (Süt Kalesi), it captivates visitors with its striking stone architecture, spacious inner courtyard, towers, and surrounding ruins.
It served not only as a defensive stronghold but also as a residential area for centuries.
Today, it stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, attracting both local and international visitors.
The foundations of the castle date back to the 8th century BC, during the Kingdom of Urartu.
It was later used by the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Artuqids, and Ottomans, each leaving their own mark on it.
According to legend, milk was used instead of water in the mortar due to a shortage of water during construction — hence the name “Milk Castle.”
The fortress walls, cisterns, and archaeological remains uncovered through excavations reveal thousands of years of continuous history.
As you climb toward the castle walls, pause for a moment and look out over the Elazığ Plain.
A photo taken from here at sunset captures not only the landscape — but also a window into the past.
After your visit, take a short walk through Harput Neighborhood to discover other historic sites such as the Arap Baba Tomb and Ulu Mosque.
You can reach the castle by taking buses from Elazığ city center heading toward Harput and getting off at the “Harput Castle” stop.
From there, it’s just a short walk to the castle.
Minibuses traveling toward Harput also stop near the castle, providing easy access.
It takes about 10–15 minutes by taxi from Elazığ city center to reach the castle.
For visitors arriving by private car, parking areas are available around the castle.
Harput Castle is located within the Elazığ Central District, in the Harput Neighborhood, on a high rocky hill.
Simply type “Harput Kalesi” into your navigation app.
It is an unmissable stop for those interested in both history and scenic views.
District: Elazığ Center
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