The history of Hakkari is being revealed.

HAKKARI (IHA) – While the first phase of excavation work at the Mir Castle in Hakkari has been paused, restoration efforts continue at the Zeynel Bey Madrasah.

Archaeological excavation work was initiated on July 4, 2024, by the Van Museum Directorate with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the instructions of Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik and the support of Hakkari Provincial Special Administration, to uncover historical structures in Mir Castle located in the Dağgöl neighborhood. Meanwhile, restoration works at the Zeynel Bey Madrasah in the Biçer neighborhood continue without interruption.

Hakkari Culture and Tourism Provincial Director İdris Ağacanoğlu stated that Mir Castle has been registered as a first-degree archaeological site, saying, “Mir Castle is located in the Halife Derviş (Dağgöl) neighborhood. The hilltop area is 3,706 square meters and is built on an elevation of about 150-200 meters. This castle has been referred to as Hakkâri in historical sources until the destruction of the Abbasids by the Mongols (1258) and has served as the residence of the Hakkâri Beys since the second half of the 13th century. The names of many castles in the Hakkâri region are mentioned in historical sources. With the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and under the instructions of Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik, archaeological excavations were initiated by the Van Museum Directorate on July 4, 2024. The excavation has begun with two main structures, and a pause has been taken to prepare a project for the implementation of the Mir Castle Archaeopark Project.”

Intensive work at Zeynel Bey Madrasah

Provincial Director Ağacanoğlu noted that the restoration works initiated at the Zeynel Bey Madrasah in Biçer neighborhood are continuing uninterruptedly, saying, “Following the instructions of our Governor Ali Çelik and with the support of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Zeynel Bey Madrasah is also being restored after Mir Castle. The Zeynel Bey Madrasah, located on parcel 102 of block 273, is a 16th-century Ottoman structure owned by the Ministry of Finance. The madrasah has an irregular rectangular plan oriented east-west. The structure’s plan consists of a central courtyard surrounded by eight rooms and a portico to the south, west, and north. The Zeynel Bey Madrasah has been included in the 2024 Presidential investment program. Restoration works here are continuing with the support of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the provincial special administration.”