Yelbiz Castle

Yelbiz Castle is located on a hill approximately a 1.5-hour walk northwest from the front of Derebaşı Primary School, near Tekedüz Village in the Bozyazı district of Mersin Province. The castle, situated about 10 kilometers northeast of Bozyazı, occupies a strategic position due to its natural geographical setting.

Yelbiz Castle (Türkiye Culture Portal) 

Within the castle area, the remains of a structure with a large courtyard and two wide halls survive, with a significant portion of the basilica section still intact. Architecturally, this structure is assessed to have been a monastery. The entrance doors and windows were constructed using a round arch system. Wooden beam traces on the interior walls or square-shaped holes aligned in horizontal rows indicate that the upper roof was covered with wooden planking.

In the eastern section of the complex, a basilica with a prominent apse stands out. On its central floor, fragments of mosaics arranged in geometric patterns have been found. This confirms the religious function of the structure.

At the entrance to the large courtyard on the western side, two opposing towers, approximately six to seven meters in height, partially remain standing. However, the courtyard walls have suffered considerable damage over time. In front of the main structure, a cistern accessible via stairs descends into a deep channel extending outward from the building. To the east, another structure is believed to have also served as a cistern.

To the west of the monastery complex, a small chapel with an apse is located. Further west of this chapel, a second chapel with a rectangular plan and an apse also exists. These structures demonstrate the multiplicity of religious spaces within the site.

Yelbiz Castle is a settlement of notable interest due to its architectural features, structural diversity, and strategic location. The existing remains shed light on the region’s historical religious and defensive architecture.