22.11.2025 11:00
The conservation work on the secret passage from the Roman Period located in Harput Castle, which has hosted many civilizations in Elazığ, has been completed. The head of the Harput Castle excavation, Prof. Dr. İsmail Aytaç, stated, "Both the secret passage itself and the area with the upper section's tandirs and workshops have been fully opened to visitors."
In the Harput neighborhood, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List and bears traces of 4,500 years of uninterrupted settlement, Harput Castle was included in the 'Heritage for the Future Project' by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism last year. The excavation and restoration of the secret passage uncovered to the west of the castle's second gate have been completed. The secret passage, which descends approximately 22 steps underground, is 15 meters long and 2 meters in diameter, reflecting the architectural features of the Roman Period with its arched and vaulted structure.
"BUILT WITH ORIGINAL BRICKS AND MORTAR OF THE ROMAN PERIOD" Stating that the conservation works of the secret passage have been completed, Harput Castle Excavation President Prof. Dr. İsmail Aytaç noted that four secret passages have been identified in the castle so far, saying, "Secret passages are built especially when castles are besieged, to meet the water and food needs, and sometimes the weapon defense needs of those inside when they are in great distress. Here, where we currently see, we descend with 17 steps. The turn is U-shaped, made with a downward slope towards the outside. I mentioned that there are four in the castle, especially these are built according to the architectural features of the period. In the place we are currently, this part we see is made with the original bricks and mortar of the Roman Period. There had been some collapses in some places, so we reinforced this area to prevent debris on top of it, and it has now partially become open to visitors. We have also done the lighting, but there is still the Girls' Tower in the castle. There is also a passage from the bath in front of the castle into the castle. Additionally, we have a one-step secret passage leading from the Virgin Mary Church on the east side to Harput Castle. We say at least four, and perhaps as excavations continue, this number will increase. Now we understand from verbal information that there are a few more secret passages in the castle. However, for now, we are not in a position to prove that," he said.
"THREE TANDOOR SYSTEMS DISCOVERED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER" Prof. Dr. İsmail Ayraç stated that the works in the area have been completed, saying, "In fact, most of the excavation of our secret passage had been completed in the past, but there were deficiencies. We have done its conservation. While doing the conservation, we started to see tandoors from the upper sections. As we descended from the top, three tandoor systems appeared on top of each other. We understood that this place has been used as a continuous workshop production center since at least the 1st century AD Roman Period, especially in the upper part. Ashtrays were also found right next to them. Both the secret passage itself and the area with the tandoors and workshops above have completely become open to visitors. Right next to this, we have a 52-step water reservoir. Above it, there are also blacksmith workshops, so this area is densely populated in terms of settlement. We have completed the excavation, restoration, and conservation of a large part of this area by the end of 2025, and it has become open to visitors. With some minor corrections, especially from now on, citizens who wish can partially visit. Especially after the spring season, we will have opened the visiting areas with explanatory panels and information in a better environment," he said.