Erzurum Castle Erzurum Castle is situated in the town of Erzurum, in Eastern Anatolia, and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and townscape. A small entrance fee grants visitors access to the castle's 12th-century minaret, which has been converted into a clock tower with a fully functional original mechanism. To reach the top, visitors must climb 67 uneven steps on a circular, stony staircase before ascending an extremely steep ladder with no resting points. The Inner Castle, a 2000-meter-high hill in the mountainous region, was built by Theodosius the Great during his reign in the 5th century. It was initially used as barracks before being converted into a museum of modern art by the Turkish administration. Other notable structures within the castle include the Clock Tower and Mosque. The minaret, originally known as Tepsi Minare, was built in 1137 by Abu'l Muzafferüdin Gazi, who reigned from 1124 to 1132. During the Baroque Period of Ottoman Architecture, it was converted into a clock tower. The small mosque, which features a single large dome, exhibits typical features of Turkish Architecture.