Anzaf Castles

 castle ruins, archaeological site

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The "Anzaf Castles" is a designation of two ancient Urartian fortified sites built in the late 9th century BC astride a ridge on the route leading northeast from Van. The "Lower Anzaf Castle" (Aşağı Anzaf Kalesi) to the northwest was built in the reign of the Urartian king Inushpua, while the "Upper Anzaf Castle" (Yukarı Anzaf Kalesi) on higher ground to the southeast was built during that of his son Menua. Both fortresses and the associated settlement(s) were connected to the cult of the god Haldi. At present there is lack of clarity on the ancient name(s). The Haldi-patari ("town of Haldi") mentioned on the Meher Kapisi "gate" inscription near Van and Toprakkale to the southwest is a possibility for the ancient toponym.