Şanlıurfa Castle

The Şanlıurfa Castle is thought to have been built on a Neolithic settlement dating back to 10,000 BC. The first written sources about the castle belong to the 11^th century. It is thought that the castle was built between the years 812-814 AD during the Abbasid Period.

Edessa King Ma’nu IX has erected two Corinthian style monumental columns on the top of the castle in 240-242 AD. The local people believe that these two columns are the legs of the catapult mentioned in the legend of Abraham. The height of the columns is 17.25 meters and there is an inscription in Syriac on the east column. It reads “I am AFTUHA, son of military commander BARSHAMASH (son of the Sun). I have erected this column and the statue on it for crown prince MA’NU’s daughter, king MA’NU’s daughter, my lady and precious queen Shalmeth.” These columns represent the twin gods.

When you climb to the top of the castle, a wonderful view awaits you where you can see Balıklıgöl, Şanlıurfa Museum Complex and old Şanlıurfa. On the western sides of the castle, there are rock tombs, most of which date back to the Edessa Kingdom and the Roman Period.