Iron Age and Later Periods in an Isolated Region: The Bingol-Solhan Fortress

Solhan Kalesi [Solhan Fortress] lies at the western tip of the Solhan Plain from which it derives its name. The fortress site was discovered in 2019 during surveys. Drywall fortifications reinforced with bastions and foundations from various buildings inside the fortification walls have been documented at the site. Ceramics and slag found at Solhan Fortress indicate that the site may have been a tribal center in the Iron Age. However, the architectural features of the fortress, especially the fortifications with bastions, are notably different from other Iron Age sites in the region. Surface finds do not include painted or glazed ceramics from the Medieval Period. Current findings indicate Solhan Fortress to have been inhabited for a long period from the Middle Iron Age to the Medieval Period.