Birecik Kalesi

Birecik Castle is a historic castle located within the boundaries of the Birecik district of Şanlıurfa Province. Because it was built on a white limestone hill, it is also known as White Castle (Kal'etül Beyza/ Beyda).

History

Although there are various opinions about the founding of the historic castle, it is thought to have been built during the Assyrian period. The Birecik Castle, mentioned in sources as being built in the 13th century, has undergone repairs in various periods. The castle, which has been repaired three times—by the Romans (30 BC–395 AD), the Franks (1098–1150 AD) and the Mamluk Period (1277–1484)—has foundations made of large cut stones, walls reaching a height of 30–40 meters, and 12 towers built on them. The walls surrounding the district center have suffered great damage from natural disasters over time, and today only some tower remains and two standing gates remain. They are known as the Bağlar Gate and the meadow gate, also called Urfa Gate and Meçan Gate.

In addition, there is an inscription on one of the historic walls. Based on these inscriptions, it dates to the year 1483, to the Mamluk Period.