Gaziantep Castle: 2nd-century structure destroyed in Turkey earthquake

(CNN) — The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday severely damaged Gaziantep Castle, a historic site and tourist attraction in southeastern Turkey.

The castle collapsed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in the early hours of February 6.

“Some of the bastions in the eastern, southern and southeastern parts of the historical Gaziantep Castle in the central district of Şahinbey were destroyed by the earthquake, the debris was strewn on the road,” the agency reported. Turkish Anadolu press.

“The iron railings around the castle were scattered on the surrounding pavements. The retaining wall next to the castle also collapsed. In some bastions large cracks were observed,” the report said.

The dome and eastern wall of the historic Şirvani Mosque, located next to the castle and thought to have been built in the 17th century, also partially collapsed, he added.

According to archaeological excavations, the castle was first built as a watchtower in Roman times in the second and third centuries AD and expanded over time.

It took its current form during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527-565 CE), according to Turkish Museums, the official website of museums and archaeological sites in the country.

So far there have been over 18 recorded aftershocks measuring 4 or more on the Richter scale since the initial tremor, one of the strongest to hit Turkey in a century.

More than 600 people have been killed in affected areas of Turkey and Syria.

According to Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay, some 1,700 buildings were damaged in 10 Turkish cities.

Above: The ruins of Gaziantep Castle on February 6, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Agency via Getty Images.

CNN’s Yusuf Gezer contributed to this report.