Abstract:

Due to its strategic importance, Harput Castle was an important defense center that many states have wanted to dominate on it since old centuries. Harput which came under the domination of Turks with Cubukoglu remained respectively under Artuklular, Selcuklular, Dulkadirogullari, Akkayunlular and Safeviler, it came under the Ottoman in 1516. A small military unit had duty on Harput Castle in 17th century. A dizdar was as commandant at the head of the unit which had responsibility for the castle and also security of the city. The town’s enlisted man in efficient number had duty with a chamberlain of the castle under the command of dizdar. There was a settlement area which was known with the name Kale county in Harput Castle in 17th century.  Military officers dwelt usually on here with their families. Community dwellers used to make their mass worship and religious events on places named as Kale Mosque and Huseyin Aga Mosque. Kale Mosque’s region was an important center that social and economy events occurred at the same time. A part of merchants as prominent in the city dwelt on Kale County. An architect who concerned on maintenance and care of the castle and officers who served for religion and in foundations were here besides military officers who were responsible for security and public order in Harput Castle. On the study, physical state of Harput Castle in 17th century and military and social function of the castle in the city have been considered, using Ottoman archive documents as sources thereby. 

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