İspir Castle

İspir is already in a high-altitude region. Winter months can be challenging in terms of both road conditions and cold weather. The period from late spring to early autumn is more suitable for both walking and photography. In summer, as the number of people coming to the region for rafting increases, İspir also becomes more lively, so adding the castle to these visits makes sense.

As long as the castle's restoration status does not change, choosing the day is more important than the visiting hour. Early morning light comes from the river side, while in the afternoon, the other side of the hill is more clearly visible.

From Erzurum city center to İspir is approximately 145 km by road. Public transport is also possible with vehicles departing from the western bus station in Şükrü Paşa Neighborhood, but going with your own vehicle saves time. For those coming from the direction of Rize, İspir is also a route stop. When entering the district from the road following the left bank of the Çoruh River, the castle greets you from the hill.

After reaching the district center, it is possible to approach the castle on foot, but due to its current closed status, most visitors content themselves with viewing it from below.

The castle alone is a 20-30 minute stop. But if you want to see the surrounding historical houses, Kırık Bridge, and the banks of the Çoruh River while in İspir, you should allocate half a day. If you are planning rafting or nature walks, it is more logical to stay overnight in İspir.

As soon as you enter İspir center, first take a photo from a point overlooking the castle, then walk to the old streets and the historical mosque within the district. Take a short break on the banks of the Çoruh River, and if you have time, also see Kırık Bridge. If you are coming from Erzurum, it is also possible to draw a different route via Tortum or Uzundere on the way back.

The castle is currently closed for renovation. Visitor comments frequently state that this situation has been ongoing for a long time and no concrete work has been seen inside. If you are coming a long way specifically for the castle, adjust your expectations accordingly; most visitors content themselves with viewing it from outside. Some comments also state that the castle has suffered damage over the years and does not look as grand as it used to.

When entering İspir by following the Çoruh valley from the direction of Rize, the castle forms a clear silhouette on the hill, and it's easy to capture this angle from the roadside. Points overlooking the river from the district center also offer the opportunity to frame both the castle and the Çoruh. The late afternoon light makes the stone texture on the hill more prominent.

There are differences among sources regarding who built the castle. The Culture Portal points to the Ilkhanates in the 12th century, while the İspir District Governorship and some local sources mention the Saltukid period, and even Urartian traces. What is certain is that the castle was repaired in the 16th century during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, and the minaret of the mosque inside the castle also served as a watchtower.