Recent excavations at Körzüt Fortress in Van, Turkey, have provided crucial insights into Urartian civilization through the discovery and deciphering of cuneiform tablets. These inscriptions confirm that the site was known as “Haldi Patari”, meaning “the Sacred City of Haldi,” dedicated to the chief god Haldi of the Urartian pantheon.
Located in the Muradiye district, Körzüt Fortress was constructed under the reign of Urartian King Minua. Archaeological efforts led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabahattin Erdoğan from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and local authorities, have uncovered significant findings that reshape our understanding of this ancient settlement.
Among the most striking features are the massive basalt walls built with stones weighing between 6 and 12 tons. These walls, some reaching 9 meters in width, demonstrate the advanced engineering capabilities of the Urartians. Asst. Prof. Dr. Can Avcı from Istanbul University highlights the technical mastery involved, stating that the stones’ static stability on uneven terrain reflects a high level of structural knowledge and considerable human effort.
This year’s excavation season also revealed a second temple, the entrance to a royal citadel (sitadel), and ancient roads connecting residential areas to the city center. Alongside these architectural remains, researchers found Urartian arrowheads, glazed and unglazed pottery fragments, and coins dating back to the 10th century CE, indicating continued occupation into the medieval period.
The deciphered tablets are especially significant because they provide the exact Urartian name for Körzüt, confirming its religious and strategic importance as Haldi’s dedicated city. This discovery not only clarifies the identity of Körzüt but also enriches our knowledge of the Urartian state’s religious geography.
As excavation work continues, plans are underway to restore the uncovered temple and further investigate the city’s infrastructure and cultural layers. Körzüt Fortress stands as a testament to the Urartians’ architectural prowess and their devotion to Haldi, shedding new light on one of Anatolia’s ancient civilizations.
Cover image: An aerial perspective of Körzüt Fortress, highlighting the exposed temple foundations and ancient fortification layout. Photo by Necmettin Karaca.
