Spolia at Ankara Castle

This work investigates the use of spolia in the fortifications of Ankara Castle, with particular focus on the Byzantine period from 7th century CE onward. The castle's inner and outer walls incorporate a wide range of reused architectural elements carefully arranged to convey symbolic messages of divine protection, authority and cultural continuity. The strategic placement of spolia especially around the main gate, suggests that their use was not merely practical but also symbolic, revealing how material heritage was utilized to reinforce communal identity in response to ongoing political and military developments in the region.