Diocaesarea

Among the innumerable places of historical interest, located in the Taurus Mountains in the vicinity of Silifke, Diocesarea seems to be the most significant, and at the same time - the most beautiful one. The remains of an important religious sanctuary stand on the grounds of the humble village of Uzuncaburç. In the ancient times, it was the centre of worship of Zeus Olbios. It attracted pilgrims from afar and remained in the custody of the inhabitants of the nearby town of Olba. The meaning of Diocaesarea sanctuary can be likened to the role the temple in Didyma served in relation to the city of Miletus, or the oracle in Claros - for the residents of the Ionian colonies on the coast of the Aegean Sea.

Zeus Olbios Temple in Dioceasarea
Zeus Olbios Temple in Dioceasarea

Softa Castle

Softa Castle (tr. Softa Kalesi) is a mysterious fortress rising above the Mediterranean coast, 15 km east from the famous Mamure Castle in Anamur. In contrast to that fortress, Softa Castle is virtually inaccessible to the public. Visiting it requires the skills of a mountain goat while climbing to the top of the steep hill overgrown with thorny shrubs. Getting to the Castle of Fanatics, as this is the translation of its Turkish name, is an expression of sightseeing madness.

Softa Castle
Softa Castle

Sultantepe

The tell of Sultantepe, situated in Şanlıurfa Province of southeastern Anatolia, is a Late Assyrian archaeological site. Some researchers identify it with Huzirina, an ancient temple-complex, but this conclusion is not well supported by archaeological evidence.

Sultantepe
Sultantepe

Gallipoli Peninsula and the Troad. TAN Travel Guide - a new book published by TAN team

Gallipoli Peninsula and the Troad. TAN Travel Guide

Gallipoli Peninsula and the Troad. TAN Travel Guide has been prepared for the travellers who intend to spend active holidays exploring the northwestern part of Turkey, especially the Gallipoli Peninsula and the Troad regions. If you want not only to relax and sunbathe, but also to visit some interesting places and archaeological sites, this is the book for you. It will help you to get acquainted with the most important information about Turkey and its northwestern part, to plan the entire trip and to select the places worth seeing. History lovers will be able to use it to locate rarely visited ruins of ancient cities, the seekers of beautiful landscapes will find tips on the most attractive viewpoints, and the gourmets will get numerous suggestions for the best restaurants in the region.

Saint Thecla Church and Cave in Silifke

Saint Thecla from Iconium is undoubtedly one of the most interesting female characters of early Christianity period. An underground church in the cave where Saint Thecla spent the later years of her life remains as a reminder of her activity. This place, now known as Ayatekla or Azize Thecla Yeraltı Kilisesi, is located on the outskirts of the town of Silifke, on the eastern section of the Mediterranean coast.

Saint Thecla - Underground Church, Silifke, Mersin Province
Saint Thecla - Underground Church, Silifke, Mersin Province

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