Historical Bağın Castle

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Historical Bağın Castle, rising on the steep canyon of the majestic Peri Stream that draws the Tunceli-Elazığ provincial border, within the borders of Dedebağ (formerly Bağın) Village of Karakoçan district, is an ancient border castle whose foundations date back to the 9th century BC, to the mighty Urartian Kingdom. The castle supervised strategic passageways during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Artukid periods; It is equipped with city walls, rock shelters and secret water tunnels skillfully placed on steep natural rocks. This unique geography, combined with the healing Bagin Thermal Spring right at the foot of the castle, has been used as both a military defense and healing center since ancient times. According to local rumors, Urartian kings and their wounded soldiers would rest under the protection of the castle after the war and find healing in the hot sulfur waters on the foothills. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features It is located on the steep limestone canyon wall of the Peri Stream Valley. Its altitude above sea level is 1,080 meters. The vibrant Fairy Stream flowing from the canyon floor, the surrounding oak forests, wild almonds and steaming sulfur hot springs create a fascinating microclimate. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees