# Bani Qahtan Castle

- **Country:** Syria
- **Coordinates:** 35.395556, 36.154167
- **Condition:** Ruins
- **Castle Type:** Hilltop castle

Bani Qahtan Castle is a historical fortress located in the Syrian Coastal Mountains within the Latakia Governorate of Syria. Situated approximately 40 kilometers from the city of Latakia, the site lies in the Jableh District and gives its name to the surrounding small village. The castle occupies a strategic position atop a high mountain, accessible only via a narrow strip of land from the south, while the main approach road connects through the Baniyas-Jableh route from the west. Although specific construction dates and original builders are not recorded in available texts, the existing ruins are dated back to the 12th century, reflecting a period of intense military activity in the region.

The fortress holds significant historical value due to its involvement in major medieval conflicts. Originally known as Bikisrail, it was under Byzantine control in 1032 before being captured by Crusader forces led by Tancred in 1111. By 1131, the stronghold had come into the hands of the Nizari Ismailis, who maintained control until surrendering the site to the famous leader Saladin in 1188. This sequence of ownership highlights the castle's role as a contested strategic point during the era of the Crusades and the subsequent Islamic reconquest of the Levant.

Today, Bani Qahtan Castle exists primarily as a damaged archaeological site with limited structural remains. While the interior has suffered extensive deterioration over the centuries, the external walls remain relatively well-preserved and still enclose the massive footprint of the original fortification. The site currently serves as a historical landmark rather than an active military or residential installation. Despite its ruined condition, the enduring outer defenses offer insight into medieval military architecture and the turbulent history of the Syrian coast.

![Photo of Bani Qahtan Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/%D9%82%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A9%20%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%B4%D9%82%20%D9%85%D9%86%20%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A9%20%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%82%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bani_Qahtan_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)