Işıkkale

Işıkkale (literally the castle of light) is an ancient settlement in Turkey.

Işıkkale
Ruins of a basillica in Işıkkale
Shown within Turkey
LocationSilifke, Mersin Province, Turkey
RegionMediterranean Region
Coordinates36°26′22″N 34°00′35″E
TypeAncient settlement
History
PeriodsHellenistic Age to Byzantine Empire

Işıkkale is at 36°26′22″N 34°00′35″E in the rural area of Silifke ilçe (district) of Mersin Province. Its distance from Silifke is 17 kilometres (11 mi) and from Mersin is 77 kilometres (48 mi). Işıkkale is between two other archaeologically important sites; Karakabaklı and Sinekkale.

The visitors follow the Turkish state highway D.400 which runs in parallel to Mediterranean Sea coast. 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) west of Atakent, the visitors turn to north for about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi). The settlement is sitıuated on both sides of the road.

The original name of the settlement is not known. It dates back to Hellenistic, Roman and the early Byzantine ages. There are many buildings, cisterns, wineries, and olive oil presses. [1]In most of the buildings polygonal masonry is used . [2] But there are also buildings of a later era such as a three-nave basilica. [1]

References
  1. Silifke Museum page (in Turkish)
  2. Mersin Valiliği:Mersin Ören Yerleri, Kaleleri, Müzeleri, ISBN 978-605-4196-07-4 p. 213
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