Gülek Castle is a castle built to control the Gülek Strait, which is the most important gateway connecting the Mediterranean and the Middle East to Central Anatolia. In the raids, wars and invasions carried out from Anatolia to the south and from the south to Anatolia, all commanders gave great importance to controlling the Gülek Strait and those who held this place gained great advantage in the wars. Cilicians, Assyrians, Alexander the Great, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, and the Ottoman State exerted great resources and efforts to hold this pass. When the armies of the Governor of Egypt, Kavalalı Mehmet Ali Pasha, who rebelled against the Ottoman Empire, captured this place, it was not difficult for them to advance as far as Kütahya. One of the important resources of Adana Province in the Ottoman period is the tax collected from those passing through the Gülek Strait. Again, the Ottoman Empire gave great importance to this place because it was on the transit route of the Hajj Caravans. The Kuvayi Milliye Units, which held the Gülek Strait, which played a major role in the National Struggle period, prevented the invading French from crossing into Central Anatolia and defeated them in the Karboğazı War.

It is thought that Gülek Castle was built in the Middle Ages to keep this important strait safe and under control. Like many castles in strong places, those who captured this place carried out new arrangement and settlement activities in their own way.

The entrance of the castle is on the south side, where the walls are also strong. Since the northern part on the steep rocks facing Gülek Strait is naturally sheltered, all strengthening activities are concentrated on the southern facade. There is also a cistern to the east of the castle.

Gülek Castle Cliff and Photography

In addition to its historical and geopolitical importance, Gülek Castle has recently become important in terms of photography. The abyss landscape shot here by photography lovers spread over social media over time, and even became the subject of national press and news.

A protruding rock in the shape of a nose just north of Gülek Castle played a major role in this matter. When the photo is taken from the right angle, the person on the rock stands on the edge of a cliff, along with the Gülek Strait 500 meters below and the Adana-Ankara Highway. Even looking at the photo, in which adrenaline and excitement is at its peak, is exciting for those who do not know the trick of this shooting. Although there is an earthen ground just 3 meters below the rock, taking the picture from an angle that does not show the ground has made this place internationally famous. Visitors who come to share the photos taken here on social media line up in front of the rock.

Besides the cliff view, Gülek Castle is also very impressive with its view of the Central Taurus Mountains and Adana-Ankara Highway. Our advice to visitors is to take time to watch the scenery, especially in the northern part of the castle, and plan the road accordingly.

Where is Gülek Castle? Directions Information. How to go to the Castle?

Gülek Castle is located within the borders of Gülek District of Tarsus District of Mersin. Gülek Castle is 52 km away from Tarsus and 86 km from Mersin.

To go from Mersin to Gülek Castle, you must take the Erdemli-Adana Highway and proceed in the east direction, after passing Tarsus, turn north on the highway in the direction of Ankara, and after proceeding here, you should exit the highway at the Çamalan Exit. After exiting the highway, proceed 6 km in the direction of Pozantı along the Adana-Aksaray road, and follow the directions of the Gülek Castle sign on the right, and you will reach Gülek Castle when you proceed about 4 kilometers further.

There is no public transportation access to Gülek Castle.

The nature and travel clubs of Adana and Mersin organize excursions and trekking activities to Gülek Castle from time to time. You can visit Gülek Castle with a guide and other nature lovers by following these activities on social media.