Located on the historical Silk Road that crosses the Taurus Mountains and leads to Antakya, Yılan Castle was built by the Byzantines during the Crusader occupation of Çukurova in the Middle Ages. The castle, which also includes other castles in the plain such as Anavarza, Tumlu and Kozan Castles, has eight round bastions.
TGA
From the guard gate located in the south of the castle, stone-stepped stairs lead to the terraces. The garrison of the castle, which has a church and cistern, was located at the top.
TGA
Snake Castle Legend
According to rumors, Shahmaran, a mythological animal, lived in this castle. As a matter of fact, in Seyahatname, it is mentioned that there were many snakes in the castle, even in flocks, people perished due to snake bites, and the existence of a snake with horns and hair on the back of its neck. According to another rumor, the inside of the castle is full of snakes that feed on milk. These snakes, which feed on milk, would one day be without milk and would leave the castle, go down to Misis and kill the people living there by stinging them.
The famous Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi named the castle, formerly known as Govara (Kovara), as Şahmeran Castle in the 17th century, as it was accepted as the place where the Shahmeran legend took place in the region. This structure, which was later named Snake Castle, was a castle that was difficult to conquer with its very cleverly designed and placed strong walls, bastions, access to the castle square through three gates, and portable stairs connecting the gates.
Atilla Andırın
Wall ruins from Byzantine, Crusader and Armenian repairs stand out on the building. Armenian repairs are evident in the sills, window and door vaults. There is also an Armenian inscription documenting these repairs on the building.
Places to Visit in Adana
Resources
Adana Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism
Evaluations on Snake and “Snake Castle” (Ceyhan/Adana) Narratives in Turkish Folk Culture, Prof. Dr. Esma ŞİMŞEK, Akra Culture, Art and Literature Magazine 2019 (P.19) v.7 / p.13-33
Source: Adana Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate
