Sarvandikar
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Sarvandikar (Armenian: Սարվանդիքար) also spelled Sarvanda k'ar (Turkish: Savranda Kalesi) is a medieval Armenian castle of the former Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia in today's Osmaniye Province of Turkey. The castle was of strategic importance due to its position guarding the Syrian Gates.
Etimology
Sarvandik'ar or Sarvandakar (Armenian: Սարվանդաքար) in old Armenian language means "Rocky plateau". After the Adana massacre and Armenian Genocide, Turkish settlers called this fortress Savrdnda.
Architecture
Sarvandikar is of typical Armenian castle design: an enclosed ward on the top of a steep rocky hill with horseshoe-shaped towers guarding the curtain walls. The location is so inaccessible that some sides do not need elaborate walls, as the steep cliff face is defence enough.
See also
Other castles in the region include:
References
- Unknown crusader castles by Kristian Molin, Hambledon Continuum, 2001
External links
- Château de Servantikar en Cilicie - an article in French
- Servantikar at Forteresses D'Orient (French)
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