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Lake Van, nestled in eastern Turkey near the borders of Iran and Armenia, has long held secrets beneath its blue-green waters. In 2017, divers exploring the lake made an astonishing discovery: the submerged ruins of a massive ancient fortress, forgotten for more than 3,000 years.

The underwater walls—some reaching up to 13 feet high—are believed to have belonged to the Urartu civilization, a powerful kingdom that thrived in this region during the Iron Age, around the 9th century BCE. Though Lake Van has since expanded and submerged much of what once stood along its shores, the cold, mineral-rich water helped preserve sections of the fortress remarkably well.

A Civilization Beneath the Surface

The Urartians were known for their advanced engineering, especially in stonework and fortifications. Their kingdom stretched across much of modern-day eastern Turkey and into parts of Iran and Armenia. Though less well-known than the Egyptians or Mesopotamians, the Urartu people left behind inscriptions, artifacts, and now—thanks to this discovery—a literal sunken city.

The fortress’s remains stretch for nearly a kilometer. Archaeologists believe it was likely a significant military or administrative center, built during a time when Lake Van’s water level was much lower than it is today. Over centuries, geological shifts and rising water gradually swallowed the site.

Myth, Legend, and Mystery

Lake Van has always been a place of mystery and local folklore. Some locals believe the lake hides a “Van Monster”—a creature of legend said to roam its depths. The discovery of the ancient fortress only deepened that intrigue.

For now, the castle remains underwater, protected by the lake that once buried it. Though it’s difficult to excavate such a submerged site, researchers continue to study it using sonar and underwater photography, slowly piecing together the story of a long-lost stronghold.

From the surface, Lake Van is peaceful and pristine. But just below, an ancient kingdom waits in silence.

Until next time,

Emails From Afar Team

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