Ankara Castle, perched atop one of the city’s highest points, is a lasting testament to the city’s complex history. Located in Altındağ district, this fortress has endured centuries of conquest, endurance, and architectural modification. While the exact date of its construction is unknown, historical reports confirm that the castle was already in place when the Galatians arrived in the region around the beginning of the fifth century BC. It has undergone multiple restorations over the years under Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman administration, with each era leaving an unmistakable mark on the fortress’s structure and significance. Aside from its historical significance, Ankara Castle acts as a cultural hub, hosting a number of festivals that highlight the city’s rich legacy and artistic vibrancy.

A Chronicle of Conquests and Reconstructions

The castle has endured the ebb and flow of history, seeing the transformations of the city that grew beyond its walls. When the Romans acquired control of Galatia in the early second century BCE, Ankara developed dramatically. Emperor Caracalla restored the castle walls extensively in 217 CE to strengthen its defenses. However, from 222 and 260 CE, the stronghold suffered significant destruction as a result of Emperor Alexander Severus’ defeat by the Persians.

In the second half of the seventh century, the Romans began repairs to reinforce the stronghold against impending attacks. Emperor Justinian II commissioned the construction of the outer castle in 668 CE, which improved the stronghold’ defensive capabilities. Later, in 740 CE, Emperor Leo III strengthened the inner castle walls, raising their height to provide protection. Successive Byzantine rulers, including Emperor Nikephoros I in 805 CE and Emperor Basileios I in 869 CE, reinforced the castle’s walls.

The castle changed hands several times, indicating power movements in Anatolia. The Seljuks took control of Ankara Castle in 1073, but the Crusaders captured it during one of their expeditions in 1101. By 1227, the Seljuk Dynasty had regained control, and Alaeddin Keykubad I oversaw extensive renovations. II. Izzeddin Keykavus completed additional improvements in 1249, assuring the fortress’s prolonged significance. During the Ottoman time, the castle had another substantial repair under Kavalali Ibrahim Pasha in 1832, which included the enlargement of its outer walls.

Architectural Grandeur and Strategic Design

The majestic Ankara Castle, which rises 110 meters above the city, is a military engineering masterpiece. It consists of an inner castle that caps the highest point of the hill and an outer castle that encircles the hamlet below. The outer castle is fortified with around 20 sturdy towers that form a protective ring around Ankara’s old center. The inner fortress covers around 43,000 square meters and includes 42 towers, the majority of which are pentagonal in design. These towers stand 14 to 16 meters tall, demonstrating the strategic genius of their constructors.

The outside walls run around 350 meters north-south and 180 meters west-to-east, enclosing the city’s ancient heart. The inner castle’s southern and western walls make a severe right angle, while the eastern wall follows the terrain’s natural contours, which are defined by recesses and protrusions. The northern slope, in particular, features walls built using various techniques to adapt to the rough topography. One of the most noteworthy parts of the fortress’s defense system is the sequence of 42 pentagonal bastions positioned at 15- to 20-meter intervals along the eastern, western, and southern walls, which provide extensive coverage against possible aggressors.

The inner and outer castles connect at two key points: the slope facing Doğukalesi to the east and the Hatip Stream to the west. The fortress’s highest point, Akkale, dominates the southeastern corner of the inner castle, providing an unrivaled view of the city.

Materials and Techniques: A Fusion of Eras

Ankara Castle’s building features a diverse mix of materials that reflect the numerous civilizations that impacted its design. The inner castle’s four-story design is made of locally produced Ankara stone, which is interwoven with stones recycled from previous structures. The stronghold is accessible by two large gates: the outer gate and the inner gate, the latter of which includes an Ilkhanid period inscription. Another inscription on the northwest section recognizes the Seljuks’ substantial contributions to the castle’s fortifications.

The lower sections of the walls are made of a durable blend of marble and basalt, giving the castle an imposing look. Higher up, the walls shift to brickwork, however most of this part has deteriorated over time. Despite the damages, the core of the inner castle has stood the test of time, maintaining its intimidating silhouette against Ankara’s skyline.

During the invasions of the eighth and ninth century, quick repairs necessitated the use of readily available materials. Builders recycled marble blocks from demolished Roman monuments, as well as column capitals and portions of old river systems. Statues, sarcophagi, and ornately carved column capitals embedded within the castle walls demonstrate this pragmatic yet imaginative approach to fortification.

A Living Monument of History

Today, Ankara Castle is more than just a historical remnant; it is also a lively cultural attraction. Visitors who pass through its formidable gates enter a realm where echoes of ancient conflicts, imperial ambitions, and architectural prowess collide. The sweeping views from its walls provide a spectacular view of modern Ankara set against the vestiges of its illustrious history. With its historical significance, structural durability, and continued role in the city’s cultural fabric, Ankara Castle is a living symbol of Anatolia’s rich and diverse legacy.