Excavations at Harput Castle in Elazığ, Türkiye, have uncovered a 36-meter-deep dungeon with 100 steps, where King Baudouin II of Jerusalem and other Crusader nobles were once held captive by Artuqid ruler Belek Gazi. This dungeon, a site of significant historical importance, was the prison for Baudouin and his fellow captives, Joscelin and Galeran.
After recent restoration efforts, the dungeon was opened to the public in May 2023 and has since become a major attraction for both local and international tourists. The historical significance of Harput Castle, combined with the successful preservation of its interior spaces, has greatly increased the site’s appeal, drawing a steady flow of visitors to the region.
Rıdvan Yeşilırmak – Erkan Bay