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Zerzevan Castle
37.6081° N, 40.4992° E
About
Zerzevan Castle (Kurdish: Qesra Zêrzevan, Zîrzevan Turkish: Zerzevan Kalesi Armenian: Զերզեվանի ամրոց), also known as Samachi Castle, is a ruined Eastern Roman castle, a former important military base, in Diyarbakır Province, southeastern Turkey. Archaeological excavations at the site revealed the existence of underground structures, among them a temple of Mithraism, a mystery religion. The castle was used as a civilian settlement between the 1890s and the 1960s. The site is partly open to tourism.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Construction
4th century
Restoration under Anastasius I
491–518
Restoration under Justinian I
527–565
End of military use
639
Civilian resettlement begins
1890s
Village abandonment
1960s
First archaeological excavations
2014
Entrance located
2020
Notable artifacts discovered
2021
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Defensive Structures
Military Installations
Miscellaneous Features
Water Management Features
Public and Civic Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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