Ankara Castle Ankara Castle, initially constructed as a military fortification, now stands as a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, traditional Ankara houses, mosques, and other historical landmarks that the city has to offer. Although the exact date of the Ankara Castle's construction remains unclear, some archaeologists suggest that it was built by the Hittites, who had a military presence in Ankara. However, it is more commonly linked to the Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk eras, during which it underwent several renovations and alterations. The castle is located atop a hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area and a close-up view of the red-tiled houses of Ankara. Its thick outer wall is surrounded by towers, forming a protective barrier around the old city. Standing approximately 14 meters high and covering an area of 43 square kilometers, the fort has 42 towers, with the highest point, known as Akkale or Alitaşı, situated in the southeastern corner. One of the castle’s entrances features inscriptions from the Ilkhanate Empire, while the northwestern part of the castle displays writings from the Seljuk Empire. Throughout the centuries, the outer walls of Ankara Castle have sustained damage, though the interior remains largely intact. During the 8th and 9th centuries, Roman ruins from the city were repurposed to restore the castle, and fragments of marble blocks and pillar heads can still be seen on the southern side. The castle experienced significant damage during numerous invasions, beginning with the Galata invasion in the 2nd century BC. The walls were nearly completely destroyed after the Persians defeated Emperor Severus Alexander between 222 and 260 AD. Since the 7th century, the castle has undergone various renovations to maintain its function. The most recent restoration occurred in 688, when Constantine the Great constructed a new outer wall to fit the city's expanded borders. In 1073, the Seljuk Empire took control of the castle, and in 1832, under Ottoman rule, Maktul Ibrahim Pasha carried out another restoration. Today, Ankara Castle features a mix of architectural elements from various periods. The old Ankara houses within the outer walls are particularly charming. As the sun sets over the grand capital city, the contrasting views of the new and old sections of Ankara come alive, accentuating the beauty and historical depth of the castle's unique blend of eras. For any questions or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.