Gaziantep, an ancient castle is reported to be collapsed due to an earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. The castle is considered a historic site and a tourist attraction in southeastern Turkey.
The strong earthquake on February 6 with a magnitude of 7.8 has left many injured and thousands of death.
Anadolu, a Turkish state-run news agency revealed the debris from the historical building was scattered on the road.
“Some of the bastions in the east, south, and southeast parts of the historical Gaziantep Castle in the central Şahinbey district were destroyed by the earthquake. The debris was scattered on the road.”
The news agency added the iron railings around the castle were scattered on the surrounding sidewalks. Moreover, the retaining wall next to the ancient castle was also destroyed in the earthquake.
Initially, the castle was built as a watchtower in the Roman period, in the second and the third centuries C.E. Additionally, the dome and eastern wall of Şirvani Mosque located next to the ancient castle was built in the 17th century. It was also destroyed in the earthquake.
According to Fuat Okta, Turkey’s Vice President, across the 10 Turkish cities, a total of 1700 buildings were affected during the massive natural disaster.
Source: CNN