---
title: Meydancık Castle
slug: meydancik-castle-ffe16
url: /detay/meydancik-castle-ffe16
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Meydancık Castle
  type: article
  disambiguation: Explore Meydancık Castle, a significant ancient fortress in Mersin, Turkey.  Rich history, stunning architecture!
  categories:
    - name: General Knowledge
      slug: genel-kultur
      url: /kategori/genel-kultur
    - name: History
      slug: tarih
      url: /kategori/tarih
  tags:
    - Byzantine Era
    - Persian Influence
    - Göksu Valley
    - Meydancık Castle
    - Archaeology
author: Rumeysa Doğan
created_at: 2025-08-16T16:40:41.089379+03:00
updated_at: 2025-09-05T10:59:01.361970+03:00
image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/08/16/KRr4ESttfPpfNHoXTD0tLvmcFQ4GxnaU.jpg
---

# Meydancık Castle

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## KURE Information Cards

![nmeydancık kalesi.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/08/16/BqSfzliExe57cTEm8mKdm2zE9smnETez.jpg)
*Meydancık Castle*

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Province(s) | Mersin |
| Year of Construction | 7th century BCE |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Meydancık Castle" -->

## Article Content

**Meydancık Castle** is an ancient fortress located within the boundaries of [Silifke](/en/detay/silifke-castle-52b47/llms.txt) district in [Mersin Province](/en/detay/tapureli-mersin-c03b3/llms.txt), overlooking the Göksu Valley. Extending approximately 750 meters in length, it covers a considerably wide area and is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological structures in the region. Throughout history, the castle has been utilized by various civilizations for settlement, defense, and administrative purposes.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/08/16/6gS1hYBMOyKCsa78Q1U4SNBy1g1dZ2iM.jpg)
*Meydancık Castle, Gülnar–Mersin. (Mersin Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)*

### **History**

[Meydancık Castle](/en/detay/meryem-cil-geben-castle-5d0ff/llms.txt) functioned as a royal city in the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. During the 4th century BCE, under Persian rule, it assumed the role of a military and administrative center, serving as a strategic base due to its advantageous location. In the 2nd century BCE, it became a garrison town under the dominion of the Egyptian kings. Archaeological investigations have also revealed remnants from the Late Roman and Byzantine periods.

The castle is mentioned in ancient literary sources. In particular, it is recorded that the Babylonian king Neriglissar, during his campaign against Appuašu, king of Pirindu, in 557/556 BCE, advanced as far as this site. The texts state that his armies reached Kiršu—the ancestral capital of Appuašu (identified with today’s Meydancık Castle)—from where they descended to the sea and subsequently advanced to Sallune, the ancient name for Selinus (modern-day Gazipaşa). These accounts highlight the castle’s regional and military significance in antiquity.

### **Architectural Features and Structures**

Meydancık Castle incorporates numerous features reflecting the architectural practices of its time. Among the principal structures identified are the monumental gate, the eastern tomb, the treasury building, and several reliefs. Notable among these is a depiction of five human figures shown in walking posture from below the knees, reflecting Persian influence. Excavation director M. Alain Davesne suggested that these reliefs were produced in the Persian period but reused during the Hellenistic era; as a result, they remained unfinished and are heavily damaged today. Additionally, another relief of uncertain subject matter is visible on the exterior faces of the fortification walls.

The plateau on which the castle stands is naturally enclosed by steep and rugged slopes, offering a highly defensible topography. This geographical advantage reinforced its military function and explains its repeated use as a garrison in successive periods.

### **Archaeological Findings**

Excavations in and around the castle have yielded significant archaeological materials. Among these is a seal belonging to the Hittite king Muwatalli. Furthermore, systematic excavations conducted in 1980 uncovered 5,215 silver coins, which provide valuable insights into the region’s economic history and trade activities. These artifacts are currently exhibited in the [Silifke Museum](/en/detay/silifke-ataturk-house-museum-mersin-d0f9c/llms.txt).

### **Significance**

Meydancık Castle, with its multi-layered historical background stretching from antiquity to the Byzantine era, represents a site of both strategic-military and archaeological importance. By preserving the cultural traces of diverse civilizations, the castle stands not only as a defensive structure but also as a cultural monument embodying the continuity of historical tradition in the region.

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Meydancık Castle" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı, Kültür Portalı. “Meydancık Kalesi – Mersin.” Kültür Portalı, 24 Şubat 2013; güncellenme: 15 Haziran 2021. Erişim tarihi: 16 Ağustos 2025. https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/mersin/gezilecekyer/meydancik-kalesi.