Walls Of Urartian Castle Unearthed After 2,700 Years

In eastern province of Van, stone walls of the ancient Urartu Castle were unearthed after 2,700 years.

The archaeological excavations have been carried out since 1990 in Ayanis neighbourhood, at 38 km distance to Van. This year's works unearthed the walls that are found to be the most beautiful parts of ancient castle's imagery. Recently, the workers have also excavated the temple part of the castle.

"Ayanis is considered a castle with surprises" according to the leader of excavation works Professor Mehmet Işıklı.

Işıklı explains that an earthquake followed by a fire had demolished the castle, as adobes had fallen over the walls and closed and sealed the castle's doors.

"These findings thrilled us because these walls had witnessed severe earthquakes but did not cause any deterioration on the architecture. Also, we are able to obtain significant information. For instance recently the 2011 earthquake in Van on the 7.2 level does not seem to have caused any destruction on the walls."

(Photo) - Van