Archaeologists in eastern Turkey have uncovered a massive high-altitude fortress believed to date back around 3,000 years and linked to the ancient Urartian civilization.
The remains were found on the Tirişin Plateau in Van’s Gürpınar district at an elevation of about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). Researchers documented nearly 50 rooms and stone walls extending roughly four kilometers, marking one of the most significant Iron Age discoveries in the region.
Experts say the fortress sheds new light on the Urartians’ ability to use mountainous terrain for defense and settlement.
Team climbs plateau to document ruins
The excavation is led by Professor Rafet Çavuşoğlu, head of the Archaeology Department at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. His 12-member team, including archaeologists, anthropologists, and art historians, carried out the survey with support from Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Following a two-hour climb to the windswept plateau near Beşbudak Village, the team found ruins built from locally quarried basalt stone. Initial studies indicate the site originated in the Iron Age and continued in use through the Middle Ages.
Among the finds were ceramic fragments, millstones, and carved stones bearing various symbols, suggesting the fortress served multiple functions over the centuries.
Fortress shows strategic and pastoral use
“Finding a 4-kilometer-long fortress wall and approximately 50 living spaces at such a high elevation was an extraordinary surprise,” Çavuşoğlu said. “This area likely served not only as a defensive stronghold but also as a vital pastoral and residential zone.”
Researchers recorded the site using drone footage and GPS mapping for registration by the Van Cultural Heritage Preservation Board. They also identified mound-like formations resembling kurgans, which may have been used for burials or ceremonies.
The plateau’s natural resources, including abundant water and fertile grazing lands, made it well-suited for semi-nomadic pastoralism—a practice still seen in the region today. Archaeologists believe these features were a key reason ancient communities sought to control the area.
Discovery adds to Urartian legacy
The find aligns with what is known about the Urartian kingdom, which ruled eastern Anatolia between the 9th and 6th centuries BCE. Known for their fortified architecture and sophisticated water systems, the Urartians built highland cities and fortresses that offered natural defense, access to mountain springs, and sweeping views over surrounding valleys.
Residents have welcomed the discovery. Mehmet Ceylan, headman of Beşbudak Village, described it as an important legacy of the past and urged its preservation. “We hope this discovery brings more awareness and tourism to our village and region,” he said.
Archaeologists say continued research could reveal more about how the Urartians thrived in such extreme environments, further establishing Van as a growing center for cultural heritage tourism and historical study.
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