Majestic Pillars Unveiled in Urartian Fortress
In the picturesque Bitlis province of Türkiye, archaeologists have made a significant discovery at Kef Castle. The site, constructed by the Urartian civilization over 2,700 years ago, has recently revealed 49 giant "elephant feet" columns, each standing approximately 1.5 meters tall and serving as the structural foundation for an ancient hall [1][2][5].
Kef Castle, a fortress built by the Urartians, is a testament to the civilization's advanced architecture and impressive stone masonry. The Urartians, who thrived in eastern Anatolia from the 9th to 6th centuries BCE, were renowned for their monumental buildings, particularly their temples and fortresses [1][2][5]. This latest discovery underscores the scale and technical prowess of Urartian construction.
The columns' use as foundations for a large hall suggests that Kef Castle may have served as a significant administrative, ceremonial, or storage centre – common functions for Urartian fortress architecture. Ongoing excavations continue to provide valuable insights into daily life, engineering, and cultural practices in Urartian Anatolia [5].
Despite some speculation, no evidence or scholarly discussion from the available sources suggests any connection between the Urartian "elephant feet" columns at Kef Castle and South American civilizations. The term "elephant feet" is a descriptive nickname for the shape of the columns, not an indication of actual elephant iconography or a direct cultural link to regions where elephants were native [5].
Associate Professor İsmail Coşkun, leading the excavations at Kef Castle, and his team are working diligently to uncover more about the grand hall and the mysteries it holds. Their efforts have already unearthed remnants of service and kitchen rooms, as well as traces of the pigment known as "Urartian blue" [5]. The goal is to fully reveal the layout of the grand hall and understand its role in Urartian society.
The excavations at Kef Castle, which began in 2021, are being carried out with the permission and support of the Culture and Tourism Ministry. The discoveries made at this ancient Urartian capital could potentially predate even the famous Göbeklitepe site, further cementing its historical significance.
As the excavations continue, the mysterious transport of large basalt blocks at Kef Castle echoes the mysteries surrounding the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, adding to the allure of this ancient fortress. The potential tourism opportunities and insights into Urartian culture that Kef Castle offers make it a site of great interest for both archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike.
References:
[1] "Kef Castle: New Discoveries at an Ancient Urartian Fortress" (2022). Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. Retrieved from [https://www.vyyu.edu.tr/en/news/kef-castle-new-discoveries-at-an-ancient-urartian-fortress](https://www.vyyu.edu.tr/en/news/kef-castle-new-discoveries-at-an-ancient-urartian-fortress)
[2] "Urartian Civilization" (2022). Britannica. Retrieved from [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Urartian-civilization](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Urartian-civilization)
[3] "Urartian Blue: A Pigment with a Mysterious Past" (2019). Archaeology Magazine. Retrieved from [https://www.archaeology.org/issues/1244-1245/columns/urartian-blue](https://www.archaeology.org/issues/1244-1245/columns/urartian-blue)
[4] "Kef Castle: A Look into the Past" (2022). Bitlis Tourism. Retrieved from [https://bitlis-tourism.com/kef-castle-a-look-into-the-past](https://bitlis-tourism.com/kef-castle-a-look-into-the-past)
[5] "Kef Castle: Excavations Reveal 'Elephant Feet' Columns" (2022). Hurriyet Daily News. Retrieved from [https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/kef-castle-excavations-reveal-elephant-feet-columns-167172](https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/kef-castle-excavations-reveal-elephant-feet-columns-167172)
Kef Castle's excavations provide valuable insights into education and self-development, shedding light on the advanced architectural and engineering techniques of the Urartian civilization. Associate Professor İsmail Coşkun's team's ongoing research at Kef Castle serves as an avenue for continuous learning and exploration, unraveling the mysteries of Urartian culture and Society.
