Bayburt Castle Bayburt Castle, situated in the north side of the city on steep rocks, is an ancient fortress with a rich history. It is located on the trade route linking the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf, and travelers often visit this magnificent structure. Although the castle's builder is unknown, it was mentioned during the Bagrat dynasty (885-1044) and was involved in local princes' struggles for a considerable period. Before coming under Turkish rule, it was under the control of various powers, including the Romans, Armenians, Byzantines, Arabs, and Kommenos. Bayburt Castle has been reconstructed several times throughout its long history. For instance, Tugrul Shah, son of Seljuk Ruler II.Kılıçarslan and Meliki of Erzurum, had the castle rebuilt in 765/1225, making it impregnable against attacks from the Trabzon Empire. During Tugrul Shah's reign, 17 Arabic inscriptions were added to the castle walls, and an additional one was added during Kanuni's reign, although two of them are no longer extant. The Akkoyunlu State held the castle for some time before abandoning it after its defeat by Suleiman The Magnificent in 1514 AD. Later, during Murat's reign, the castle was repaired again. Throughout history, the castle was occupied and destroyed numerous times. The Russians destroyed it in 1828, and it was given the name "Chinaemachin Castle" because of its purple and green turquoise tile decorations. Sadly, these tiles are no longer visible due to war and destruction.