Seven Sleepers' Cave

Seven Sleepers' Cave, or Eshab-ı Kehf Mağarası, is a significant historical and religious site located approximately 14 kilometers north of Tarsus and 40 kilometers from Mersin. It lies at the base of a modest hill. The cave is renowned for its association with the legend of the Seven Sleepers, a story shared by Christian and Islamic traditions.

The primary attraction is the cave itself, which is relatively small but historically rich. It is accessed by descending a staircase of 15-20 steps, and inside, there are three tunnels to explore. Adjacent to the cave is a mosque commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz in 1873. The mosque, built in honor of the Sultan’s mother, features a square plan, a dome on an octagonal base, and a minaret with three balconies. The mosque underwent significant restoration in 2006 and serves as a historical landmark. You can also explore other historical and religious sites in Tarsus, such as the St. Paul Memorial Museum, believed to be the birthplace of St. Paul, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Although the attraction is clean from inside, the surroundings are not well maintained.