Engüzek Castle is a medieval castle built on a steep rock overlooking the Tortum Stream in the Uzundere district of Erzurum. Entrance is free, and it stands out with its chapel, cistern, and remnants of a secret tunnel leading down to the stream.
Engüzek Castle is located within the borders of Dikyar village, part of the Uzundere district, built on a steep rock rising above the Tortum Stream. Its exact construction date is unknown, but its architectural features point to the Middle Ages, specifically the Georgian period. In the region, it is also known by different names such as Engüzek, Üngüzek, Dikyar Castle, or Akçakale. This last name refers to Akça Bey, who strengthened the castle during the Beyliks period.
Entry to the castle is through a narrow corridor, 1.82 meters wide, from the southeast-facing gate. The structure, built with rubble stone and Khorasan mortar, has a chapel and cistern remnants in its courtyard, which widens towards the north. The two-story section is thought to have been used as a watchtower. The tunnel leading from the outer wall of the castle down to the Tortum Stream is also one of the interesting details that have survived to this day. Visitors write that they discovered this tunnel on the way down and walked down, wishing they had used it on the way up.
The castle was registered as a cultural property requiring protection in 2006. Today, it stands in its natural state, unrestored. This both preserves its original texture and makes climbing somewhat risky. A frequently mentioned point in comments: there are no safety precautions, the stairs leading to the upper floor are worn, and caution is required. In contrast, the view from the top of the rock, overlooking the Tortum Uzundere road and the surrounding canyons, is something most visitors emphasize.
Guide's Note
How to Get to Engüzek Castle?
The castle is located on the Erzurum-Artvin highway, approximately 3 km from the Uzundere district center, within the borders of Dikyar village. Those coming from Erzurum city center proceed towards Tortum, then Uzundere. There is a dirt/stabilized road turning off to the castle along the way. Some visitors report seeing municipal work on this road, preventing vehicles from going beyond a certain point. To be on the safe side, it is recommended to leave your car by the stream and complete the remaining distance on foot.
How Long Does the Visit Take?
Approximately 1-1.5 hours is sufficient for climbing to the castle, exploring the inner castle, and returning. Those wishing to climb to the watchtower on the upper floor should consider that the stairs are worn; those who anticipate difficulty can be content with the inner castle. For those who choose to descend through the tunnel, this is an option that extends the journey slightly but enriches the experience.
Other Stops in the Vicinity
Engüzek Castle is close to Tortum Waterfall and Tortum Lake, making it easy to add to a one-day Uzundere itinerary. Visiting Tortum Waterfall in the morning and climbing to the castle in the afternoon is a way to balance the day. Narman Fairy Chimneys and İspir Yedigöller are also among other points in the region that can be planned together.
Things to Pay Attention To
There are no railings, warning signs, or staff at the castle. This point is reiterated in most comments: the stairs to the upper floor are worn, and there are no safety precautions on the sides. In rainy weather, the dirt road becomes slippery, making climbing difficult. For families with children and those with a fear of heights, this might not be a comfortable visit in its current state. Climbing to the top of the rock is not mandatory; exploring the inner castle and courtyard is also sufficiently rewarding.
Good Spots for Photography
The silhouette of the castle built on the rock can be photographed even from the road; long-distance shots can be preferred in rainy or foggy weather. On partly cloudy days, shots showing the castle and the canyon behind it together come out more vibrant. The edge of the stream flowing on the left side during the climb is also a suitable spot for both a break and a photo.
History and Structure of the Castle
Although the exact construction date of Engüzek Castle is unknown, its architectural elements date back to the Middle Ages and the Georgian dominance in the historical Tao region. Its strategic location, a steep rock overlooking the Tortum Stream, suggests that the castle was built as a watchtower and a security point for trade routes. The chapel and cistern remnants in the courtyard, the section believed to be a two-story watchtower, remnants of structures that might have been workshops, and the tunnel leading down to the stream are the main parts of the castle that have survived to this day. Although it was registered by the Erzurum Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in 2006, the site largely remains in its natural, unrestored state today.
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