[1] According to the Italian archaeologist Roberto Dan, the castle exhibits characteristics of Urartu rock processing and was built for the control of nearby mines, especially copper mines.

[2] The name Pertek comes from the Armenian word Բերդակ (Berdak) in the local dialect, a diminutive of բերդ (berd, “fortress”).

The current structure was built in the 11th century by the Seljukid Mengujekids beys.

In 1974, the surrounding area was flooded by the Keban Dam, leaving the castle on an island five kilometers away from the northern shore of the new artificial lake.

The castle's walls are completely made of natural stone blocks.