Eshab-ı Kehf Kulliye
Eshab-ı Kehf Kulliye is a historical building complex in Kahramanmaraş Province, Turkey
Geography
The complex is next to a cave in on a hill named Bencilus 7 kilometres (4.3 mi)to Afşin ilçe (district) of Kahramanmaraş Province at 38°14′54″N 36°51′19″E / 38.24833°N 36.85528°E.[1] Its distance to Kahramanmaraş is 130 kilometres (81 mi)
History
The complex is composed of various buildings built in different eras. The church was built by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II in 446. During the Seljuks of Anatolia era Seljuk governor Nasretüddin built a mosque, a caravanserai and a fortified barracks between 1215 and 1233. Later, during the Beylik of Dulkadir era a medrese (religious school) in 1480-1492 was added to the complex by Bozkurt of Dulkadir (also known as "Alaüddevle"). In 1500 Bozkurt's wife Şemsi Hatun commissioned a women's mosque. A pergola for the governor known as Paşa çardağı was the addition during the Suleyman the Magnificient's reign of the Ottoman era.[2][1]
Seven Sleeper myth
The külliye is known as the cave of the Seven Sleepers, a legendery people lived in the 5th century.[3] (One of the many places which are allegedly the cave of Seven Sleepers) According to the ledend the emperor who had influenced by their story had the church built for them. But the later additions are also imposing. For example the geometric ornaments on the gate which was built during the Seljuks period cast shodows of a praying man, a praying woman and a dervish in namaz (salah) times.[3]
World Heritage Status
This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on April 13, 2015 in the Cultural category.[1]