Eshab-ı Kehf Cave (Seven Sleepers)

Eshab-ı Kehf means "people of the cave" in Arabic. According to the story narrated in Surah Al-Kahf of the Quran, a group of young people who refused to submit to a tyrannical ruler took refuge in a cave to protect their faith and, by God's will, slept there for many years. Among the locations believed to be the setting of this story, this cave in Tarsus stands out as one of the strongest candidates in Turkey. The cave is not only visited by Muslims, but also by followers of both religions because it is connected to the "Seven Sleepers" legend in Christianity, which is the Christian equivalent of this same story.

The physical structure of the location was formed by a natural collapse that gradually transformed into an enclosed space. The cave, approximately 300 square meters in area, is entered via a 15-step staircase. The interior remains cool and humid throughout the year. At the entrance of the cave stands a three-tiered mosque built during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz.

The cave is open for visits between 08:00–20:00 in summer and 08:00–17:00 in winter. Verify with official sources before visiting. Visitors mention that the location is particularly crowded on weekends and during religious holidays. For a quieter experience, it would be wise to prefer weekdays and early hours of the day. During summer months, the cave interior remains cooler compared to the outside, which also provides an additional advantage on hot days.

Eshab-ı Kehf Cave is located north of Tarsus district, which is part of Mersin province, within the boundaries of Dedeler Village. It is approximately 30 km from Mersin city center. You can reach it by private vehicle through Tarsus in the direction of Dedeler Village; there is a free parking lot at the cave entrance. Those preferring public transportation can reach Tarsus by bus or minibus and then continue by taxi. From Tarsus city center to the cave takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

The stone floor inside the cave can be quite slippery due to moisture and wear. Visitors specifically warn about this; it is important to prefer non-slip shoes. There are no railings at the passage point connecting to a small tunnel; caution is necessary in this area. Those coming with children should exercise extra care at these passages. Since the cave interior is cool, it is recommended to bring a light layer of clothing. Visitor comments point out complaints about toilet and environmental cleanliness; it is beneficial to go prepared in this regard.

The stairs and stone structure at the cave entrance offer impressive photo opportunities. The three-tiered mosque from the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz is also an architecturally interesting shooting location. Moments where light meets stone surfaces inside the cave, especially in the morning hours, capture good frames. The nearby Tas Kuyu Cave also creates a separate point of interest from a photography perspective.

You can create a rich one-day tour program by combining Eshab-ı Kehf with other historical and religious sites in Tarsus. Tarsus is 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 among the worth-seeing locations. We recommend adding the Tas Kuyu Cave, located near the cave, to your visit list.

Entrance to Eshab-ı Kehf Cave is completely free. Parking is also free, so those arriving by vehicle will not incur any additional costs. There are souvenir shops around the cave. The main expense items will be transportation and food; there are affordable eating and drinking options in Tarsus city center.

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