Isaac Castle, Ürgüp, Nevşehir, Turkey
The origins of the fortifications in Ortahisar are lost in the mists of history. Certainly there was a fortress here in the Byzantine period. Some researchers argue that it was erected on the foundations of an earlier building, from the Hittite period. In the Byzantine era, Cappadocia was guarded by three important fortresses. The first of them was Başkale (i.e. Main Castle) in Ürgüp, the second – Ortahisar (i.e. Middle Fortress), and the third – a castle in Üçhisar (i.e. Third Fortress).
The rock on which the fortress in Ortahisar was built is known as “the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia”. In modern times, it has steadily eroded. In 2004, the fortress was closed to visitors because of the high risk of accidents. Shortly after that, the renovations began, to protect the structure from collapsing. Engineers conducted seismic studies and cracked walls were filled with special materials, designed to protect them from further erosion.
Epic Turkey Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?