Historic carvings at Boşat Castle in Silvan, Turkey draw attention

The centuries‑old Boşat Castle in the Boyunlu village of Silvan district, Diyarbakır Province, Turkey, features rock‑cut reliefs of a horse and a standing human figure. Local resident Mehmet Yaşar Simpil says the figures are linked to the 3rd‑century ruler I. Ardeşir and resemble a king or warrior on horseback.

The fortress, which dates back to the Roman‑Sasanian period (226‑395 AD) and remained in use through the Ottoman era, survived because a family built a home atop the ruins about 70 years ago. Simpil and his family now protect the site, discouraging further damage, and highlight the castle’s layered history—from Assyrian and Roman influences to Ottoman occupation—through the preserved carvings, vaulted rooms, and old wine‑press areas.

The discovery underscores the cultural value of the remote rural landmark and has sparked interest among historians and tourists alike.