# Harran Castle

- **Country:** Turkey
- **Coordinates:** 36.859611, 39.035278
- **Century Built:** Byzantine Empire (?)
- **Location Text:** Şanlıurfa Province

Harran Castle, also known as Harran Citadel, stands as a prominent medieval ruin in the southeastern town of Harran, Turkey. While the exact founding date remains unknown, historical evidence suggests the original structure was established as a palace during the Byzantine rule between the fourth and seventh centuries. Ancient Greek inscriptions discovered at one of the gates support this early origin. The majority of the visible masonry visible today dates to approximately 1200 during the Ayyubid Sultanate, though the site was significantly enlarged and expanded under Islamic rule in the ninth century. Some scholars theorize that the fortress was constructed directly atop the ruins of Eḫulḫul, an ancient pagan moon temple, utilizing its elevated foundation for strategic advantage.

Architecturally, the castle presents a rectangular layout, yet it carried the curious medieval nickname al-Mudawwar, meaning "the round one." This moniker likely derives from the fact that it was built over the remnants of an earlier circular building. In the Middle Ages, the stronghold was separated from the surrounding city by a wide open space and a protective moat, connecting directly to Harran's ancient defensive walls. The famous Arab geographer Al-Maqdisi recorded the site in 958, praising its stonework for resembling the beauty of Jerusalem's architecture, a significant compliment given his background in a family of architects.

Today, Harran Castle exists as an archaeological site and tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's layered history. Although no visible traces of pre-Islamic architecture remain on the surface, the site serves as a testament to the transition from Byzantine palace to Islamic fortress. The ruins continue to draw interest from historians and travelers alike, preserving the memory of a structure that has witnessed centuries of cultural shifts in southeastern Anatolia. Its enduring presence highlights the strategic importance of Harran throughout antiquity and the medieval period.

![Photo of Harran Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Harran_%2840443234001%29.jpg)

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