Urfa - Citadel

The remains of the 300m/984ft long and 80m/262ft wide fortress in the foothills of the Top Dagi dominate the southwest of Urfa. The hill is known by the locals as Nimrud Kürsesi (Nimrud's Pulpit) and whole colonies of hermit ibises nest on the steep rock faces. A 12m/40ft man-made ditch separates the castle from the hinterland. It was probably here that the Hurrians established themselves and it was also the winter palace of the Abgars (Abgar IX 179-244). Two 15m/50ft high pillars with Corinthian capitals provide evidence of the latter's presence. The Crusaders were the last settlers to make alterations. The external wall still has three gates, while inside the ruins of 25 fortified towers can be seen.