7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria: A castle built nearly 2,000 years ago in southern Turkey partially collapsed

Gaziantep Castle, a historic site and popular tourist destination in southeast Turkey, collapsed as a result of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday in the early hours of February 6.  The castle was initially constructed as a watchtower in the second and third centuries C.E. during the Roman era and afterwards enlarged, according to archaeological excavations.

Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu said that "The iron railings around the castle were scattered on the surrounding sidewalks. The retaining wall next to the castle also collapsed. In some bastions, large cracks were observed ". Additionally, a portion of the medieval Irvani Mosque's dome and eastern wall, which is close to the castle and is thought to have been constructed in the 17th century, partially fell.

According to Turkish Museums, the official website of museums and archaeological sites in the nation, it assumed its present form under the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527-565 C.E. ).

Since the first tremor, one of the largest to hit Turkey in a century, there have been more than 18 documented aftershocks measuring 4 or higher on the Richter scale.

The impacted regions of Turkey and Syria have seen the deaths of more than 20000 while more than 6000 buildings collapsed on Monday.