History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Kandıralı Castle and Rock Cisterns are a strategic defense fortress built on a steep rocky mountain mass near the Kandil village of Kozluk district, with roots dating back to the Urartu and Early Iron Age, and was also used in Rome and the Middle Ages. The castle that controls the Garzan Stream valley from a bird's eye view; It is equipped with huge water cisterns carved into the rocks, secret escape corridors and watchtowers. Local legends say that this castle is unconquerable, that the water in the cisterns carved into the rocks and the grain in the underground storages were enough for the people of the castle for years during the sieges of the castle, and that the secret waterways leading from the castle to the valley are magical. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located on the steep slopes of the Garzan Mountains, at an altitude of approximately 1,180 meters. Surrounding it are oak groves, steep cliffs and deep canyon views of the Garzan Valley. The rocky peak on which the castle is built is an eagle's nest overlooking its surroundings. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical castle area is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It can be visited 7 days a week during the daytime for nature walks and exploration.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Walk carefully on the paths due to steep rocks and cliffy ground; Precautions should be taken when approaching open cistern mouths. Not stroller or wheelchair accessible; Non-slip mountain hiking boots are a must.•Facilities and Facilities:It is a natural protected area and there are no modern facilities; The needs must be obtained from Kozluk district center. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Kandil Köyü Mevkii, Kozluk / Batman.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 14 km away from Kozluk town centre; The stabilized mountain road can be crossed with caution by passenger vehicles or off-road vehicles.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can reach the village junction by taking shuttles from Kozluk center to the village or by private taxis hired from the town centre; The last stage requires walking.•Parking Availability:Vehicles can be parked safely on the side of the village road. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Panoramic photographs should be taken from the summit towers, framing the Garzan Stream canyon and the steep mountain range.•Light and Shooting Hours:The light-shadow contrast created by the depths of the canyon during the first light of the morning and the golden hours of sunset is tremendous.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:On your return from Kozluk, you should try the tomatoes grown in the plain known for the famous Kozluk tobacco, dried tandoori kebab and Kozluk walnut dessert.