Abdal Castle

Abdal Castle, locally known as Abdal Kalesi, lies south of the village of Killik, in the province of Nevşehir in Turkey.

The foundation stones of Abdal Castle are thought to date back to the Hittite Period (1650-1190 BC). Surface finds showed that the castle was inhabited during the Late Hittite Period and by the Phrygians, who ruled between 1200 and 700 BC. No more history of the site is known.

The castle is situated on a somewhat oval hill, with a small stream north of it and a small dry valley to the south. It seems to have had a rectangular plan, with an inner fortification surrounded by an outer wall. On the west side it was equipped with a man-made ditch, providing extra security.

What remains today of the inner fortification are the ruined west wall with 3 towers. And of the outer wall; part of the foundation of the north wall and the ruined west wall. The inner area of the castle is completely empty and on a slightly lower level than the walls.

Abdal Castle is freely accessible. A dirt road ends a couple of hundred meters west from the castle. A short walk over uneven rocky terrain is needed to finally reach it. A small and seemingly forgotten ruin. Although, locals told me that they were troubled by illegal treasure hunters scouring the site sometimes. So, maybe not very interesting but I liked the location.

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