Empires And Conquests: The History Of A Roman-Era Castle Partially Destroyed In The Devastating Turkey-Syria Earthquake 

The devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria last week brought death to more than 40,000 people – a number that continues to rise – and homelessness to at least a million. Although the recovery and rescue efforts have been hampered by logistical and weather issues, they are still ongoing. The United States of America, European Union, Red Cross and many other countries and organisations have provided assistance. Send Help, rescue teams, food and shelter are some of the forms of assistance that can be provided to the affected region.

Other important historic sites and roads were also damaged or destroyed in the earthquakes. Gaziantep Castle (a Roman-era fortress that dates back nearly 2,000 years) was one of the affected sites. This castle is widely regarded as a symbol of Roman civilization. “one of the most beautiful examples of surviving castles in Turkey.”

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Last Monday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake could have been felt You can reach as far as Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon. The quake’s epicenter was in the southern part of the country, in the Gaziantep province, about 75 miles north of Aleppo, Syria. Nine hours later another powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.5 was felt. More 60 miles north of it. As the name suggests, the Gaziantep province – the epicenter – is home to the Gaziantep Castle.

One of the The deadliest Natural disasters in this century included the earthquake that caused extensive damage to Gaziantep Castle. Sections of the ancient castle’s iron railings and stone walls have collapsed, and large cracks have been observed in some bastions, according to a Report By the Anadolu Agency, a state agency. The retaining walls have also fallen. Most of the damage to the castle was done from the east, southeast and southern parts. The debris fell on the streets and sidewalks beneath the hilltop on which the castle is perched. A dark picture shows the condition of the historic site in both before and after photos.

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Although it is not clear when Gaziantep Castle was constructed, it is likely that it was built during the second and three centuries. It was probably used as a Roman watchtower. Though the mound the castle is built on dates to the Chalcolithic period — also called the copper age — about 6,000 years ago, According Visit the Gaziantep website. This site is also available in English. Traced It is possible that it dates back to the ancient Hittite Empire. Use As an observation point.

It was Byzantine Emperor Justinian (526-765 A.D.) that greatly impacted the lives of many. Expanded The castle was built in the sixth century A.D. Many repairs and overhauls were made since then. During Justinian’s fortification, the structure took much of its current form of an irregular circular shape with towers and a surrounding moat. Today, 12 towers are present, but at one time there were 36. According to Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi’s travel book. Turkey’s General Directorate for Cultural Assets and Museums “ the castle’s perimeter is nearly 4,000 feet and has a diameter of about 330 feet. 

Although the castle was severely damaged by recent earthquakes, it has largely survived the past 2,000 years. It had been through conquest and battles, as well as changing hands from empires to empires and dynasties to dynasties. 

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After the Roman Empire SplitGaziantep was retaken by the Byzantines in 1515. Justinian’s reign, which was the first major revival of the castle, saw great territorial expansion for the Byzantine empire. Ziel It was to restore the empire to its former glory. Justinian, who was well-known for his architectural prowess, led a campaign to rebuild Byzantium’s ancient capital. According The Met Museum 

The castle, which was under the Christian control over the Byzantine empire at the time, was later Passed to the Islamic hands of the Umayyad dynasty in 661 A.D.  After remaining in Islamic hands for the next 300 years, the Byzantines retook Gaziantep in 962. The city was retaken by the Seljuk Empire just over 100 years later. 

The city was renamed several times after the Seljuk conquest. This was during a time of uncertainty. In 1098, the castle was taken by Christian Crusaders. wurde part of the Crusader county County of Edessa. After the Crusaders the city was divided into many groups until 1181 when the Ayyubid Dynasty took control. Taken control. During According to the Turkish General Directorate for Cultural Assets and Museums, the castle was largely reconstructed from what it looked like before the earthquakes. 

The Ilkhanate had a habit of flipping Gaziantep’s control between them. Part The Mongol Empire and the Mamluks leading

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