The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on 6th February, 2023 badly damaged Gaziantep Castle, a historic site and tourist attraction in southeastern Turkey.
- The castle, locally known as Gaziantep Kalesi, collapsed during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in the early hours of February 6.
- The dome and eastern wall of the historical Şirvani Mosque, which is located next to the castle and is said to have been built in the 17th century, also partially collapsed.
- According to archaeological excavations, the castle was first built as a watchtower in the Roman period in the second and third centuries C.E. and expanded over time.
- It took its current form during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527-565 C.E.).
- The castle consists of 12 towers, and its circumference reaches 1200 meters (3,937 feet).
- Gaziantep Castle is now used as the Gaziantep Defense and Heroism Panoramic Museum.
