Mezgitkale
Cilicia Trachea | |
| Coordinates | 36°28′2″N 34°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.
Geography
Mezgitkale (also known as Korkusuz Kral Mezarı “Mausoleum of fearless king” ) is a small mousoleum near
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)
History
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.
Technical details
The dimensions of the square building are 7.8 x 7.8 m2 (25.6 x 25.6 ft2). The entrance with four
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]
References
- ^ a b Silifke governor’s page (in Turkish) Archived 2012-02-26 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Haydar Dönmez-Candaş Keskin: Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı, 27. Araştırma Sonuçları Cilt 3 sf. 101
