Ayanis Kalesi

Excavations have been carried out in the castle since 1989. It was possible to identify the castle thanks to the architectural and other small finds obtained as a result of the excavations. According to the cuneiform inscription found, the castle was built by Argişti's son Rusa in BC. It was built between 645-643. There is an entrance gate to the south of the castle, which is surrounded by two fortifications. Here the fortification walls were built with andesite stone and in other parts with limestone. In the upper part, the pierced hall and the temple occupy an important place. The temple with rizalit, whose door faces west, has similar features with the others. In the southwestern part, a large number of warehouse buildings were found in which the jars were connected to each other. The castle, besides its architecture and small finds, is important in terms of illuminating the last phases of Urartian history.

Breathe in the castle and admire the perfect view of the sunset of the day at the foot of Suphan. Excavations are continuing.

We lost the Ayanis Castle excavation recently, the late Prof. Dr. Altan Çilingiroğlu started it, but unfortunately, this magnificent castle was excavated with the logic of treasure hunters. After the excavation was made, the material was taken to the museum, and the architecture was closed again in the place where it was to be revealed. There is an ambiguous appearance in the places where the old trenches are located, since the restoration has not been done. Currently digging Prof. Dr. Mehmet Işıklı is trying to complete the deficiencies and work on restoration. The road to Ayanis village is very good, but the roads from Ayanis village are dusty. There is a wooden track at the exit to the castle, but the road is a bit steep. Especially the temple and the podium are worth seeing. From above, Lake Van greets you with all its beauty.

The excavation house is surrounded and it is forbidden to enter, so you can see the ruins from afar. Molla Kasım is close to the blue flag beach... I recommend you to enter the lake ?