Divriği is a district that draws attention with its historical and cultural richness. Especially Divriği Castle is one of the important structures of the region. The castle, which is in a critical position in terms of defense strategy, is surrounded by steep cliffs and undertakes the task of protecting Divriği.
Built in 1230 on a high hill east of Divriği, Divriği Castle is entirely of Turkish construction and serves as an important defensive fortress. The castle was built by the masters of the Divriği Great Mosque and shares similar construction techniques.
Excavations and Findings
Excavations conducted by the Department of Art History at Sivas Cumhuriyet University have unearthed structures such as settlements, water cisterns, granaries and administrative centers within Divriği Castle. The excavations, which lasted for 12 seasons, have unearthed important findings that will shed light on the history of the region and the general history of Anatolia.
- Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatname contains information about the settlements, private residences and palaces within the castle walls.
- As a result of archaeological studies, objects belonging to the Urartu period were found and the history of the region began to be examined in more depth.
Divriği Castle has witnessed Byzantine and Turkish domination starting from the Paulician period. The contributions of the Mengücek Principality to the district and the interactions during the Ottoman period enriched the historical texture of the castle and its surroundings.
