| Gülek Castle | |
|---|---|
| Gülek, Tarsus,Mersin Province,Turkey | |
 Main gate | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Castle |
| Controlled by | Ministry of Culture |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Only part of the wall |
| Location | |
  Gülek Castle | |
| Coordinates | 37°16′12″N34°47′29″E / 37.27000°N 34.79139°E /37.27000; 34.79139 |
| Site history | |
| Built by | Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia,İbrahim Pasha of Egypt |
| Demolished | Most of it |
Gülek Castle is a medieval castle inMersin Province,Turkey.
The castle is in the rural area ofTarsusilçe (district) of Mersin Province. It is located to the west ofGülek Pass (Cilician Gates) at37°16′12″N34°47′29″E / 37.27000°N 34.79139°E /37.27000; 34.79139.[1] Its altitude with respect to sea level is 1,530 metres (5,020 ft). Its distance to Tarsus is about 63 kilometres (39 mi), and toMersin is 95 metres (312 ft).
Gülek Kalesi (Armenian:Kuklak; Arabic:Kawlāk) is a large fortification of considerable antiquity which retains evidence of Byzantine and Arab periods of occupation, but is primarily a construction of the 12th and 13th centuries attached to theArmenian Kingdom of Cilicia.[2] Its circuit walls and towers at the south and west cover a distance of over 450 meters. An extensive photographic survey and plan of Gülek Castle was made between 1973 and 1979.[3] Its name in the 12th century wasAskaliba.[4] In an Armenian document a certain Symbat was named as the lord of the castle. The castle was used to control the passage fromCilicia toCappadocia and the passengers had to pay a certain sum to the lord of the castle. Later, the castle was captured by theMamluks of Egypt and theOttoman Empire. Ottomans obtained lead from the mines to the northwest of the castle.[4] During the revolt ofMehmet Ali Pasha in the 19th century, the castle was used byİbrahim Pasha of Egypt, Mehmet Ali's son.[5]
The gate is at the south side. The castle walls are on the south and west side. The north and the east sides are protected by the natural sharp clifts. Most of the building material isbossage type stones, typical of Armenian masonry. But there are also more recent ruins which resemble that of theCasemates of İbrahim Pasha (which are situated to the north of Gülek Castle).[5]
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