About
Ankara Castle has been structurally reinforced and preserved through extensive restoration and renewal works in recent years. The outer fortifications follow a quadrangular plan and include approximately 20 towers. The castle has two main historical gates: the Outer Castle Gate to the west and the Hisar Gate to the south. The Ilkhanid-era Persian inscription dated 1330 above the Hisar Gate is still visible today. The inner castle was constructed partially with Ankara stone and partially with mixed masonry materials. Its walls vary between 14–16 meters in height, and according to up-to-date information, 42 pentagon-shaped towers (bastions) line the inner walls. Historic Ankara houses dating from at least the 17th century, mosques (including Alaeddin Mosque), fountains, and other civil architectural elements inside the castle remain standing. Through recent restoration practices, architectural authenticity has been preserved while ensuring long-term structural durability, turning the castle into both a heritage monument and a living cultural and tourism center in Ankara.