The Armenian 'Submerged Fortress' of Archesh Emerges Due to Falling Water Levels of Lake Van

Due to the decreasing water level of Lake Van, a historic Armenian fortress has emerged. Old Archesh, part of which is now called 'Chalabibagh', was gradually abandoned and submerged due to the rising water levels of Lake Van in 1841. Following drought, the water level decreased, revealing the 'sunken city'. The structures belonging to the city were significantly damaged in the 2011 Van earthquake. This was reported by ermenihaber.

According to the Turkish newspaper 'Yeni Şafak', the lake's water level has dropped by 2 meters again due to drought, resulting in the visibility of the ruins of the Archesh fortress. Turkish researcher and writer Selahattin Koshar stated in an interview with the newspaper that part of the fortress should be restored and turned into a tourist center.

It should be noted that the Armenian fortress of Archesh was built during the Kingdom of Van. In Turkey, discussions continue regarding the inner structures of the Old Archesh fortress and the historical mosque, while the existence of the church is not mentioned at all.

Recall that since the second half of the 18th century, Old Archesh has gradually been submerged due to rising water levels, and by the second half of the 19th century, its buildings, churches, houses, and other structures were no longer visible. Only during severe disturbances, when the lake's waves receded into the depths, remnants of its defensive walls and towers could barely be discerned.

After the historical Archesh was submerged, a new town called Akans (New Archesh, in Turkish, Erciş) was built slightly to the north in a higher location.