Bastions of Erzurum

Bastions of Erzurum are home to one of the legendary acts of heroism in Türkiye. The first bastions built in Erzurum date back to the Ottoman-Persian Wars of the 18th century. However, the largest bastions were built to protect the city during the raids and invasion of Russia from early 19th century. There are 23 of these strategic structures built on the commanding heights around the city. Incorporating military headquarters, military shelters, training grounds, dining halls, ambush rooms, etc., these bastions were built as a single building or a series of buildings. Although the bastions vary in size and location, the most significant ones are the bastions of Mecidiye and Aziziye. You can still find the blood of martyrs on their walls of the bastions which have stood tall to this day with the memories of the motto "Deveboynu shall not be passed" that proved valid during the Russo-Turkish War.