Cave of Ashab-ı Kehf (Seven Sleepers)

Ashab-ı Kehf means "People of the Cave" in Arabic. According to the story in Surah Al-Kahf of the Quran, a group of young people who did not want to submit to a tyrannical ruler took refuge in a cave to protect their faith and, by Allah's will, slept there for many years. Among the places believed to be the setting for this story, this cave in Tarsus stands out as one of the strongest candidates in Turkey. The cave is visited by members of both religions, not only in Islam but also due to its connection with the "Seven Sleepers" legend, which is the Christian equivalent of the same story.

The physical structure of the site was formed by a natural depression that gradually transformed into an enclosed space. Visitors descend into the approximately 300-square-meter cave via a 15-step staircase. The interior remains cool and humid throughout the year. At the entrance of the cave, there is a mosque with three minaret balconies, built during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz.

The cave is open to visitors from 08:00–20:00 during the summer season and from 08:00–17:00 during the winter season. Confirm with an official source before visiting. Visitors say that the place is quite crowded, especially on weekends and religious holidays. For a calmer experience, it would be wise to choose weekdays and the early hours of the day. In summer, the cave's interior remains cool compared to the outside; this provides an additional advantage on hot days.

The Cave of Ashab-ı Kehf is located north of Tarsus district, Mersin province, within the borders of Dedeler Village. It is approximately 30 km from Mersin city center. You can reach it by private car by heading towards Dedeler Village via Tarsus; there is a free parking lot at the cave entrance. Those who prefer public transport can come to Tarsus by bus or minibus and then continue by taxi. The journey from Tarsus city center to the cave takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

The stone floor inside the cave can be quite slippery due to humidity and wear. Visitors particularly warn about this; choosing non-slip shoes is important. There are no railings at the passage point connecting to a small tunnel, so caution is needed in this section. Those with children should be extra careful during these passages. Since the cave's interior is cool, it is recommended to bring a light layer of clothing. Visitor comments highlight complaints about toilets and environmental cleanliness; it is beneficial to be prepared in this regard.

The stairs and stone structure at the entrance of the cave offer impressive photo opportunities. The mosque with three minaret balconies, dating from the Sultan Abdülaziz period, is also an architecturally interesting photo spot. Moments when light meets the stone surfaces inside the cave capture beautiful shots, especially in the morning hours. The nearby Taş Kuyu Cave also constitutes a separate point of interest for photography.

You can combine Ashab-ı Kehf with other historical and religious sites in Tarsus to create a rich one-day travel program. Tarsus holds an important place in Christian pilgrimage tourism as the birthplace of St. Paul. The Cleopatra Gate, Old Mosque, and Tarsus Museum in the city are also noteworthy places to visit. We recommend adding Taş Kuyu Cave, located near the cave, to your visit list.

Admission to the Cave of Ashab-ı Kehf is completely free. Parking is also free, so those arriving by car will not incur additional costs. There are souvenir shops around the cave. The main expenses will be transportation and food; affordable food and drink options are available in Tarsus city center.