The Kastel is a water structure found only in Gaziantep and has no equivalent anywhere else in the world

Water structures are important documents in human history as they reflect the architecture, engineering, technological knowledge, and social and cultural life of the society to which they belong. The historical water structures of Gaziantep are significant documents of both intercultural interaction across the world and local socio-cultural life and technical knowledge.

The Kastel is a unique water structure found only in Gaziantep, and it has no equivalent anywhere else in the world. These structures are partially or completely underground. The term “kastel” refers to a place where water is divided into underground sections.

In a hot climate like Gaziantep’s, to prevent water from evaporating or disappearing in any other way, channels called “livas” were dug underground, and water was collected in a central location. From this central point, the water was distributed throughout the city.

Houses were built on top of the livas, and wells were dug from the houses to the livas. These wells not only met the water needs but were also used to hang food supplies to keep them from spoiling in the summer heat.

The kastels maintained their significance until the time when houses were connected to the city’s drinking water and public fountains were built.

Today, about 5-6 of these kastels still survive. One of them is the Pişirici Kastel. This is the oldest kastel in Gaziantep, dating back to the 13th century, and it is in very good condition.