Ferhatli Castle

Ferhatli Castle, locally known as Ferhatli Kalesi, lies on a rock high above the Ardanuç river, next to the village with the same name, in the province of Artvin in Turkey.

When Ferhatli Castle was first built is unknown. During the 5th century, at the same time as nearby Gevhernik Castle was built, it was restored by Vakhtang I, King of Caucasian Iberia (an ancient country in present-day Georgia and Turkey). The present remains however probably date back to the Ottoman era from the 16th century onwards. It is said that the remains of the castle were damaged by treasure hunters from Ardanuç.

The ruins of Ferhatli Castle are freely accessible but access is not easy and will involve some rock climbing. On the castle rock itself there are no remains left but some parts of the outer walls. Those walls are better viewed from the road below the castle and, when that road will be flooded after the dam that is being built is ready, from a road on the opposite side of the valley.

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