Gaziantep Castle

About Gaziantep castle:

• It is located on a hilltop in southern Turkey’s city of Gaziantep.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• It was first built by the Hittite Empire as an observation point and later built into a main castle by the Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd century AD. 
• The castle underwent further expansion and renovation under the Byzantine emperor Justinianus (called the “Architect of Castles”) between 527 and 565 AD. 
• The Ottomans repaired the castle over time, but it got a second full overhaul by Egyptian Sultan Qaitbay in 1481.
• The castle took its final shape in 2000 and has been renovated many times. 
• Features:
  • The castle has the shape of an irregular circle.
  • It has 12 towers that house living quarters for soldiers and various other chambers such as stables, prison cells, storerooms for treasure troves, or barracks for troops.
  • The walls are made from stone and span 1200 meters in circumference.

Q1) What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

World Heritage is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Source: Turkey earthquake: 2000-year-old Roman-era Gaziantep castle destroyed by quake

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