Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ashab-ı Kehf)
Eshab-ı Kehf Mağarası
One of the caves associated with the Legend of the Seven Sleepers, a story shared by Islam and Christianity. A mosque stands above the cave, and it is an important place of worship for Muslims.
The legend of the Seven Sleepers tells of several young men who hid in a cave to escape persecution by a Roman emperor and slept there for centuries. It is also recounted in Surah 18 of the Quran. This cave, about 12 km northwest of Tarsus, is one of the sites associated with the tale. A mosque stands above the cave entrance, and believers from across Turkey come to pray here. Visitors can go down into the cave. Entry is free, but modest dress is required, and women should bring a headscarf. The site is reached by taxi or private car and can be combined with a half-day visit to the old town of Tarsus.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Tarsus Waterfall
- Tarsus Old Town & Ancient Road
- St. Paul's Well
- Cleopatra's Gate
- St. Paul's Church, Tarsus
- Atatürk House Museum, Mersin
- Muğdat Mosque
- Mersin Museum