Castle of Afyonkarahisar | |
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Afyonkarahisar in Turkey | |
![]() Castle of Afyonkarahisar | |
Site information | |
Type | Castle |
Location | |
Coordinates | 38°45′55″N30°32′17″E / 38.76526°N 30.53801°E |
Site history | |
Built | 1350 BC |
Materials | White masonry |
The Castle of Afyonkarahisar (Turkish : Afyonkarahisar Kalesi) is a historical fortification, which was built around 1350 BC and is located in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. [1] [2] While Afyonkarahisar Castle (Literally: "Black Opium Castle" Fortress) refers specifically to the defensive fortification, Afyonkarahisar refers to the town containing the structure, and was renamed from Afyon to Afyonkarahisar in 2004. [3]
The Hittite king Mursilis II (c. 1320 BCE) built the original structure on the summit of a 226 meter high rock (from ground level) overlooking the modern town of Afyonkarahisar, due to its value as a defensive fortification. [3]
Since the construction of the original, the castle has been rebuilt several times by various rulers. The most recent reconstruction was conducted by the Turkish government.[ when? ] [3] [ clarification needed ]