Travel Notes
Zerzevan Castle
The Roman Empire's eastern border outpost, the Mithras Temple and the secret of the 3,000-year-old seal.
In brief
Zerzevan Castle was founded in the 3rd century as a border outpost (limitanei) guarding the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List in 2020.
Two extraordinary finds from the excavations surprised the world: a badge dating to the year America was founded (1776), whose mark is identical to the "Great Seal" on the 1-dollar bill. And a 3,000-year-old seal unearthed from a depth of 4 meters (Ağ Sırt period), which pushed the castle's history back 1,200 years before the Roman period.
The Underground Church is recorded as the first underground church of the Christians. You descend 7 steps to enter, the walls have carved basins, and it is a prayer space for a few people.
60 water cisterns (about 10 m deep) stored rain and snow water all year round. The Mithras Temple: a ceremony once a year, and those who endured 12 ordeals were admitted. The bull-sacrifice basins and ceremonial areas are still standing.
Route, in order
From the entrance to the Mithras Temple.
Castle entrance and watchtower
A windswept hill. At the entrance there is a plan of the castle and information boards. From the watchtower you can see everything around very clearly.
The America badge (matching the year 1776)
The badge unearthed in the excavations dates to the 18th century and lay under the ground for about 300 years. The mark on it is identical to the "Great Seal" on the 1-dollar bill. A very interesting find.
The 3,000-year-old seal (Ağ Sırt period)
It came out of a depth of 4 m. Finding an Ağ Sırt period seal in a Roman fortress proved that the settlement is 1,200 years older.
Underground Church (the first Christian church)
You descend 7 steps. It is very small, with carved basins in the walls and room for only a few people to pray. The place where Christians secretly worshipped in Roman times.
60 water cisterns
About 10 m deep. Rain and snow water collected here and was used throughout the year. They kept the castle alive during sieges.
Soldier and civilian quarters
1,000 soldiers in total, and the quarters are said to have housed about 800 of them. Two well-rooted residential structures are still standing.
The first temple (bull sacrifice)
Six windows from above (3+3). Bulls were sacrificed and their blood was collected in basins. It was also used as a shelter in times of danger.
Mithras Temple
A very old, mysterious religion. A ceremony once a year. Those who endured 12 ordeals were admitted to the group. Christians covered it with 3 m of earth. The animal-sacrifice basins and the seats for ceremony spectators are still there.
Places to see
The main stops at Zerzevan Castle.
Castle Walls & Towers
A fine example of Roman military architecture. Hilltop position for strategic lookout.
The America Badge
A badge matching the year 1776, with the same mark as the 1-dollar bill. Displayed in the excavation museum.
The 3,000-Year-Old Seal
Ağ Sırt period (around 1000 BC). It pushed the castle's history back 1,200 years.
Underground Church
The first secret church of the Christians. 7 steps, carved basins, a small prayer space.
60 Water Cisterns
~10 m deep. They stored rain and snow water. Vital for withstanding sieges.
Soldier Quarters
1,000 soldiers, with housing for about 800. Two well-rooted residential blocks still stand.
Bull Temple
6 windows (3+3). Bull-sacrifice basins. Also used as a shelter.
Mithras Temple
A ceremony once a year, 12 ordeals. Christians covered it with 3 m of earth. Ceremonial areas and seats remain.
Good to know
Practical notes.
A private vehicle is a must
Zerzevan Castle is on the Diyarbakır–Çınar road and there is no public transport. You need to go by private car or taxi.
Comfortable shoes
The castle area is large and involves a lot of walking. There are distances between the cisterns, the church and the temples. Stones can be slippery.
Sun protection and water
It is an open area with little shade. It can be very hot in summer. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen.
There may be an entrance fee
A museum card may be valid. Check the Diyarbakır Museum website for the current fee.
Allow 1.5–2 hours
At least 1.5 hours to see the castle, church, cisterns and temple and take photos.
~45 minutes from central Diyarbakır
In the direction of the Çınar district. If you are in Diyarbakır, it can be combined on the same day with the Hasuni Caves (Silvan).
Wrapping up
The mystery of the Roman border outpost is behind you. Go back to the Türkiye page for the other southeastern routes.
A UNESCO tentative-list site, a badge that drew worldwide attention and the Mithras temple. Not to be missed by history lovers.
Back to the Türkiye page
Discover the other two routes as well: Diyarbakır and the Hasuni Caves.