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  Shown within Turkey | |
| Alternative name | Korkusuz kral mezarı (Mausoleum of fearless king) |
|---|---|
| Location | Mersin Province, Turkey |
| Region | Cilicia Trachea |
| Coordinates | 36°28′2″N34°1′37″E / 36.46722°N 34.02694°E Coordinates: 36°28′2″N34°1′37″E / 36.46722°N 34.02694°E |
| Type | Mausoleum |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | Intact |
Mezgitkale is a 2nd- or 3rd-century mausoleum in Mersin Province of Turkey.
Mezgitkale (also known as Korkusuz Kral Mezarı “Mausoleum of fearless king” ) is a small mousoleum near Öztürkmenli village in Silifke district. It is situated in the 500 metres (1,600 ft) high plateau to the south of Toros Mountains. It is accessible from Atakent on the Mediterranean shore. Distance to Silifke is 27 kilometres (17 mi) and to Mersin is 80 kilometres (50 mi)
Although the Turkish suffix -kale means fort, this building is actually a mausoleum. Also, contrary to popular belief it is not a mausoleum of a king. It was built by an eminent Roman citizen (probably a land owner) for his family. The building was used as a tomb for about two centuries. [1] Then it was abandoned during the Byzantine era. During Ottoman era, the building was used as a house and a furnace was added to the original building.
The dimensions of the square building are 7.8 x 7.8 m2 (25.6 x 25.6 ft2). The entrance with four Corinth type columns and corbels is at the south. On the north wall there are reliefs of a shield, a sword and two scorpions. On the west wall there is a relief (now partially damaged) of a phallus probably dedicated to Priapos. Next to the moselaum, there is a stone carved cistern with dimensions 5 x 20 x 8 m3 ( 16.4 x 65 x 26 ft3). [1] According to Ministry of Culture and Tourism, there was also an olive oil workshop. [2]
Cennet and Cehennem are the names of two large sinkholes in the Taurus Mountains, in Mersin Province, Turkey. The sinkholes are among the tourist attractions of the province.
Adamkayalar is a location in Mersin Province, Turkey famous for rock carved figures.
Meydancık Castle is a castle ruin in Mersin Province, Turkey. The original name was Kirshu and the name of the ruin during Ottoman times was Beydili Kale.
Tokmar Castle is a castle ruin in Mersin Province, Turkey
Sömek is a village in Silifke district of Mersin Province, Turkey. The village at 36°35′N34°05′E is situated in the peneplane area of Toros Mountains. The distance to Silifke is 37 kilometres (23 mi) and to Mersin is 85 kilometres (53 mi). The population of Sömek was 794 as of 2011. Like most other settlements in Mersin Province, the area around Sömek has many ancient ruins. The rock relief of Athena which is situated 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north of the village shows the Isaurian history of the area. There are also the ruins of two churches which were built probably in the Byzantine era of 5th or 6th centuries. Although the east church has completely been demolished, an official archaeology group with the collaboration of Mersin University is working to unearth the west church. There are also ruins of various houses and cisterns around the east church.
Öztürkmenli is a small village in Silifke district of Mersin Province, Turkey. The village at 36°28′N34°01′E is situated in the southern slopes of Toros Mountains to the east of Yenibahçe. The distance to Silifke is 28 kilometres (17 mi) and to Mersin is 88 kilometres (55 mi). The population of Öztürkmenli was 77 as of 2011. Mezgitkale, a Roman mausoleum is to the south east of the village.
Akkale is the popular name given to ruins of a building complex in Kumkuyu town of Erdemli district, Mersin Province, Turkey
Emirzeli (İmirzeli) is a group of ruins in Mersin Province, Turkey
Dikilitaş is the name of a rock monument and a neighbourhood of Mersin, Turkey named after the monument.
Hançerkale is the popular name given to a Byzantine observation tower ruin in Mersin Province, Turkey.
Karakabaklı is an archaeological site in Mersin Province, Turkey.
Cambazlı is an archaeological site in Mersin Province, Turkey
Akhayat is a sinkhole in Mersin Province, Turkey.
Çatıören is an archaeological site in Mersin Province, Turkey.
Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum is a small museum in Narlıkuyu, Turkey that encompasses a Roman bath with a mosaic tile floor. The mosaic depicts the three Graces.
The Temple of Jupiter is a ruined Roman temple in Silifke, Turkey. It was built in the 2nd century, and presently one column still stands.
Sinekkale is the archaeological remains of a big villa rustica in Turkey. The original name is unknown.
Işıkkale is an ancient settlement in Turkey.
Uzuncaburç is an archaeological site in Mersin Province, Turkey, containing the remnants of the ancient city of Diokaisareia or Diocaesarea.
Donuktaş is a Roman temple in Tarsus ilçe (district) of Mersin Province, southern Turkey.
