Hoşap Castle: A Historic Fortress in Güzelsu, Turkey
Visitor Information
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Country: Turkey
Civilization: Unclassified
Remains: Military
History
Hoşap Castle is a large fortress located in the municipality of Güzelsu, Turkey. Its origins trace back to the Urartian period, when it was initially established as a military stronghold at a key crossroads in southeastern Anatolia. The castle’s strategic position above the Hoşap River, whose name means “fresh” or “sweet water” in Persian, made it a vital point for controlling both army movements and trade routes in the region.
Following the Urartian era, the site was rebuilt upon medieval Armenian fortress foundations. These Armenian structures retained elements of the original Urartian layout, especially in the eastern walls and towers. The Armenian fortress featured a double wall system near the main keep as well as intermediate fortifications, reflecting its continued military importance during the medieval period.
Between 1643 and 1649, the fortress underwent significant reconstruction under Sarı Süleyman Bey, the leader of the Kurdish Mahmudi tribe. Originally migrants from the Jazira region and practicing Yezidism, the Mahmudi beys fortified the castle extensively, including the entrance tower and outer walls seen today. The Mahmudi family maintained semi-autonomous control of Hoşap until 1847, when the Ottoman authorities ended their independent rule.
In the mid-19th century, Hoşap Castle served as a fortress-city supporting roughly 1,500 families. The population included about 1,000 Armenians engaged in agriculture, crafts, and commerce, alongside Kurdish inhabitants primarily involved in animal husbandry. Within the castle walls stood two Armenian churches, which were demolished following the expulsion of the Armenian community.
The castle is recorded in historical sources spanning several centuries. Thirteenth-century Arab chronicler Yakut referred to it as “Khavshab” in the province of Ashevatsyats, part of the Armenian region of Vaspurakan. Later Ottoman travelers and historians, including Matrakçı Nasuh and Evliya Çelebi, noted its notable iron gate wings and strategic position. Hoşap Castle remained largely intact and in use until its abandonment in the mid-1800s.
Remains
Hoşap Castle is perched on a steep rocky promontory overlooking the Hoşap River and is enclosed by three concentric defensive walls carefully adapted to the rugged terrain. These walls surround both the central fortress and the adjacent former town area, creating a complex fortified settlement. The inner fortress occupies a mass with a sharp drop on its southern side and a gentler slope to the north, enhancing its natural defenses. Thick curtain walls and towers, notably on the northeast and western sides, enclose the core stronghold area. A second line of fortifications lies to the northeast, reinforcing the defense in that direction.
The principal gate is located on the fortress’s northern side. It features a gatehouse crowned by a pointed arch and is adorned with a Persian inscription above the entrance. Flanking this inscription, lion reliefs frame the emblem positioned over the gate. Remarkably, the original iron gate wings remain operational. These massive gates consist of roughly 17,000 kilograms of iron sourced from Nakhchivan, constructed completely without wood, which is exceptional for such defensive doors.
Within the castle walls lie numerous structures reflecting the site’s extensive use and complexity. These include two mosques and three bathhouses, indicating the presence of religious and social life. Decorative fountains and underground dungeons are also found inside, along with residential buildings. The southeastern section contains the Mahmudi Palace complex, comprising a viewing pavilion at the highest eastern point, a harem directly to its west, and a selamlık or reception area to the west end. This layout illustrates the palace’s multifunctional nature and its connection to the castle’s ruling elite.
Beyond the inner fortress, the outer defensive walls stretch eastward, northward, and westward, adapting to the landscape. While some parts show ruin, especially on the west side, several bastions still stand. The outer walls once featured eastern and western gates, which have since been completely destroyed. At the northeastern corner, a watchtower remains, offering a vantage point for monitoring the surroundings.
Surrounding the fortress cliffs and protecting the former town area are mud walls with battlements, remnants of which are still visible today. This town area lies north of the castle rock, extending into an enclosed section opposite the main road. Below the fortress, spanning the Hoşap River, stands a historic stone bridge constructed by Zeynel Bey, linking the settlement to broader routes.
Overall, Hoşap Castle preserves many original architectural details and decorative elements. Its combination of Urartian foundations, Armenian medieval fortifications, and 17th-century Kurdish rebuilding efforts presents a unique layered historical heritage clearly visible in its surviving structures.
