Old Beyazıt Castle
Doğubayazıt Kalesi
The ruins of a fortress on the ridge opposite Ishak Pasha Palace, dating back to the Urartian kingdom. Climb up for a panoramic view of the palace and plain.
The Old Beyazıt Castle is built along a rocky ridge. Its origins go back as far as the Urartian kingdom in the BC era. It was later reinforced in the Armenian, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, and Urartian rock carvings and rock-cut tombs survive on the cliff face. Today the walls are ruined, but the view of Ishak Pasha Palace from above is the most classic photograph. Admission is free. The climb is steep and covered in loose stones, so wear sturdy shoes. The castle sits in the same area as the palace, the old mosque and the tomb of Ahmed-i Hani, and can be visited together with them.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Old Beyazıt Mosque (Selim Mosque)
- Tomb of Ahmed-i Hani
- İshak Pasha Palace
- Durupınar site (Noah's Ark)
- Mount Ararat
- Meteor Crater (Meteor Çukuru)
- Diyadin Hot Springs
- Lake Balık