Kalecik Castle

Kalecik Castle is an important structure located on the Çankırı road in the northeast of Ankara, with a deep-rooted history dating back to the Byzantine period. Located in the center of Kalecik district, the castle offers its visitors a rich experience in both historical and cultural terms. Due to the strategic location of the region, the castle has been used by various civilizations and has changed hands many times throughout history.

History of Kalecik Castle

Although the exact date of construction of Kalecik Castle is not known, it is recorded that it was built during the Byzantine period. Since the castle is located at a strategic point in the region, it was used by the Byzantines for defense purposes. Kalecik Castle came under the protection of the Anatolian Seljuk State in 1075, after the Seljuks entered Anatolia after the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071. After the collapse of the Seljuk State, the region came under the control of the Candaroğulları Principality.

With the annexation of Ankara to the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Yıldırım Bayezid, Kalecik Castle also came under the rule of the Ottoman State. However, after Timur temporarily took control of the region, the castle was taken back under Ottoman control. During the Ottoman period, Kalecik remained a district of the Çankırı Sanjak.

Details Mentioned by Evliya Çelebi about Kalecik Castle

Evliya Çelebi, an important travel writer in history, also mentioned Kalecik Castle in his work Seyahatname. According to Çelebi, the castle was built by the Tekfur of Bursa as a dowry for his daughter during the Byzantine period. Çelebi also stated that the diminutive suffix "-cik" added to the name of the region was due to the fact that the region was a small settlement located only around the castle.

Architectural Features of Kalecik Castle

Kalecik Castle was built on a large rock mass and has an impressive appearance with this feature. It is possible to see traces of stonework from the Byzantine and Seljuk periods around the castle. The castle, which is located on a hard rocky ground, has survived for centuries thanks to its natural structure. The wide city view it offers to visitors also makes the castle an important tourist attraction.

Kalecik Castle is a structure that sheds light on Ankara's deep-rooted past, bearing traces from the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods throughout its history. The castle's impressive view, strong structure and historical importance make it an attractive stop for those who want to explore.