Payas Castle

Payas Kalesi, located in the Payas district of Hatay province, is situated approximately 700 metres from the coastline, to the west of the Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Külliyesi. The kale, surrounded by a moat, features eight towers and functions as a defensive structure. Physically, it is positioned symmetrically opposite the kervansaray on the eastern wing of the külliye, contributing to an architectural balance within the overall complex. When considered together with the külliye, it becomes evident that Mimar Sinan incorporated the castle into his külliye planning.

^{Payas Kalesi.}(Hatay Büyükşehir Belediyesi)

Information regarding the initial construction of the Payas Kalesi dates back to the Crusades period. During this time, the castle was built by the Genoese and used by the Knights Templar to ensure the safety of pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. After the Ottomans took control of the region, it was determined that the foundations of the existing structure were too severely damaged to be repaired. Between 1567 and 1571, the Ottoman State reconstructed the castle faithfully to its original form. In this respect, the castle in its current state is entirely an Ottoman structure in both technical and artistic terms.

^{Payas Kalesi.}(Anadolu Ajansı)

The castle features a large central courtyard surrounded by storage rooms and barracks on the lower levels, and staircases leading to the bastions and towers on the upper levels. In the center of the courtyard stands a mosque and a barracks building. The eight-towered defensive structure was designed specifically for military use.

^{Payas Kalesi.}(Anadolu Ajansı)

During the Ottoman period, the castle gained significance after the conquest of Cyprus and was used as a military base. It served as a garrison and forward command post to protect Payas Port, the Sürre regiments, and trade caravans. In this capacity, it became one of the strategic defensive points of the Ottoman State in the eastern Mediterranean.

The castle, actively used during the Ottoman period, later assumed various functions. In the 19th century, the national poet Namık Kemal was held here briefly before being exiled to Cyprus. During the early years of the Republic, it was used as a garrison and prison.

Considering archival records and construction techniques, although some sources describe it as having Crusader or Genoese origins, the current structure of Payas Kalesi is entirely an Ottoman-era defensive construction. The physical and planned relationship between the castle and the külliye reflects Mimar Sinan’s architectural approach and the urban planning concepts of the period.