Guide
The castle at Belleburc, northeast of the old settlement of Bayazit in the Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı, is built on sheer rock. It is thought to belong to the Urartian period and is described as one of the most important remains carrying traces of the Urartian kingdom in eastern Anatolia. In all likelihood it was built to guard the kingdom's eastern frontier, to control strategic districts and to secure the trade routes of the region.
The developed stonework and building technique of the Urartians can be seen clearly here. The steep rock on which the castle stands provided a natural defence, and Urartian engineers strengthened it further with stone walls and watchtowers. Within the castle are rock tombs, temple remains and water stores thought to be Urartian, and the caves around it are believed to have been used both for living in and for defence.
