Karaman Castle
| Karaman Castle | |
|---|---|
| Karaman Kalesi | |
| Karaman, Turkey | |
|
Karaman castle | |
  Karaman Castle | |
| Coordinates | 37°10′55″N 33°12′26″E / 37.1819444°N 33.2072222°E |
| Type | Fortress |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Generally standing |
| Site history | |
| Built | 11th century |
| Built by | Byzantine Empire |
| Materials | Stone |
Karaman Castle (Turkish: Karaman Kalesi) is in the city of Karaman, Turkey
The castle is situated at 37°10′55″N 33°12′26″E / 37.18194°N 33.20722°E on a tumulus. Although its altitude is 1,045 metres (3,428 ft) it is not much higher than the city .
The castle was probably built in the 11th or 12th century by the Byzantine Empire. It was captured by the Seljuks of Anatolia, Karamanids and finally the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans restored the castle in 1465.
The castle consists of three concentric ramparts. The innermost rampart takes the form of a keep-like citadel with nine bastions; four circular and five rectangular.[1] Until the mid-20th century much of the town of Karaman was still contained within the outermost ramparts - since then every building within the outer ramparts has been demolished and the entire area is now a public park.
