Snake Castle

Yılan Kale (in some sources Yılankale) is a historical fortress located on a high hill dominating the Ceyhan Plain in the Ceyhan district of Adana, Türkiye. The structure was built during the Middle Ages as a strategic settlement serving the defense of the Çukurova region and is considered part of the region’s historical defense system alongside other significant fortifications. ^【1】 

^{Yılan Kale(}Adana Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism⁾

Yılan Kale’s exact construction date and founder remain subject to varying interpretations in historical sources, but it is generally accepted that the structure served a defensive purpose during the Middle Ages. Positioned along the historic Silk Road route crossing the Taurus Mountains, the fortress was constructed by the Byzantines as an important defensive point during the Crusades. Architectural remains and wall repairs from the Byzantine, Crusader and Armenian periods have been observed within the fortress; inscriptions from the Armenian restoration phase have been documented on the structure. ^{【2】  【3】} 

Yılan Kale is built on a steep hill overlooking the plain and features eight circular towers. The main entrance, known as the nizamiye gate, is located on the southern side; stone staircases from this gate lead to terraces. Within the fortress are structures such as a church and a cistern, and the garrison was situated in the uppermost section. Due to its strategic position, the fortress was designed to control the surrounding plain and key roads. ^{【4】  【5】} 

^{Yılan Kale(}Culture Portal⁾

Various folk beliefs and legends are associated with Yılan Kale in historical sources. Among the local population, the fortress is also known as Şahmeran Castle, as it is believed that the mythological creature Şahmeran lived within it. Some accounts claim that numerous snakes inhabited the fortress, were fed with milk, and later spread throughout the region. ^{【6】  【7】} 

Yılan Kale is located within the boundaries of the Ceyhan district, east of the city center of Adana, northeast of Misis on the banks of the Ceyhan River. Access to the fortress is possible via transportation routes serving the Ceyhan district. ^【8】