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  Mezgitkale 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 /36.46722; 34.02694 |
| Type | Mausoleum |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | Intact |
Mezgitkale is a 2nd- or 3rd-centurymausoleum inMersin Province ofTurkey.
Mezgitkale (also known asKorkusuz Kral Mezarı “Mausoleum of fearless king” ) is a small mousoleum nearÖztürkmenli village inSilifke district. It is situated in the 500 metres (1,600 ft) high plateau to the south ofToros Mountains. It is accessible fromAtakent on theMediterranean shore. Distance to Silifke is 27 kilometres (17 mi) and toMersin 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 eminentRoman 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 theByzantine era. DuringOttoman 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 fourCorinth 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 toPriapos. 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 toMinistry of Culture and Tourism, there was also an olive oil workshop.[2]
