Erzurum Castle, located in the city center, was built in the 5th century during the Byzantine period and expanded by the Seljuks and Ottomans; it offers a 360-degree view of the Erzurum plain and Palandöken from the Tepsi Minaret.
The foundations of Erzurum Castle date back to the 5th century during the Byzantine period, and traces of settlement in the region are said to extend back to the Urartians. It changed hands between Assyrians, Sasanids, Persians, Arabs, Romans, and Byzantines, and came under Turkish rule in the 11th century. The inner castle largely stands today: the wall thickness varies between 2-2.5 meters, and eight bastions are still standing. The outer castle walls have disappeared over time.
Two structures from the Saltukid period stand out within the castle: the Castle Mosque and the Tepsi Minaret, which was used as both a minaret and a watchtower. You can climb this minaret to watch the city in 360 degrees. The stairs are quite narrow and steep; be careful when going up and down during crowded hours. Ottoman-era cannons are displayed in the castle courtyard. Ceramic and small finds have been unearthed in excavations ongoing since 2000.
Restoration work continues from time to time but the castle is not closed to visitors; both the interior and exterior of the castle can be explored. The square in front of the castle has been landscaped, with seating areas and cafes around it. Those who go in the late afternoon, near sunset, say that the light adds a special atmosphere to both the castle and the city view.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Erzurum historical places, Twin Minaret Madrasa.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The castle is open every day from 08:00-17:00, with the ticket office closing at 16:30. In summer, as it gets hot during the day, you might prefer early morning or late afternoon. Most visitors recommend going near sunset: both the castle and the city view from the Tepsi Minaret look more impressive at this time. Considering Erzurum's cold winter, it's advisable to dress warmly, especially as the wind feels stronger at the top of the minaret.
How to Get There?
The castle is located in Erzurum city center, on Cumhuriyet Street. Since it's approximately 1 km from the center, it's possible to reach it on foot. There are regular shuttles from Erzurum Airport to the city; after getting off in the city center, you can reach the castle by taxi or a short walk. City buses and minibuses also stop at stations near the center.
Photo Spots
The top of the Tepsi Minaret is the best viewpoint of the castle; from here, Palandöken Mountain and the Erzurum plain can be seen together. The square in front of the castle is suitable for shooting the castle walls from a low angle. In the evening light, the color of the castle stones changes, making photos taken at this time more vibrant.
Things to Pay Attention To
The stairs of the Tepsi Minaret are narrow, steep, and a mix of stone and wood. During crowded hours, you might have to wait when going up and down. It can be challenging to climb with small children, this section is more suitable for adults. Restoration work may occasionally affect some parts of the castle, but the general visit is not impacted.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Exploring the interior of the castle, the mosque, and the minaret takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Climbing and descending the minaret and enjoying the view takes up most of the time. An additional 15-20 minutes can be factored in for those who wish to sit and relax in the square in front of the castle.
What's Around It?
The square in front of the castle has been landscaped, with cafes and seating areas around it. Nearby, there are historical structures such as Üç Kümbetler (Three Tombs), Ulu Mosque, and Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minaret Madrasa), which can be visited on the same day with a short walking route. Its proximity to the bazaar center also makes it a convenient location for shopping.
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