History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Porsuk Castle, located on the borders of Porsuk (Zeyve) Village of Ulukışla, is the most strategic border garrison that has controlled the Cilician Gates (Gülek Strait) of the Hittite Empire since the 1600s BC. The huge adobe and cut stone walls unearthed by French and Turkish archaeologists testify to the military engineering of the Late Hittite and Tabal kingdoms. Luwian hieroglyphic inscriptions and iron weapon workshops in the castle show that Taurus mines were processed in this castle and distributed to caravans. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is on a dominant hill at an altitude of 1,380 meters in the northern gorge of the Bolkar Mountains. It is located in a windy strait with wide viewing angles. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is an open archaeological site and entrance is free.•Visiting Hours and Days:It can be visited 7 days a week in daylight.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Sneakers must be worn due to the rocky and pathy terrain; It is not suitable for wheelchairs.•Facilities and Amenities:There are no facilities in the area; The facilities in Porsuk Village and Ulukışla center are used. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Porsuk Höyuğu Mevkii, Porsuk Village, Ulukışla / Niğde.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 9 km away from Ulukışla district center; It can be easily reached by passenger vehicles via the asphalt village road.•Real Public Transportation Information: Transportation from Ulukışla can be provided by Porsuk village minibuses.•Parking Availability:Free parking is available at the village entrance and at the foot of the castle. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:The moment when the huge Hittite-era city wall foundations meet the backdrop of the Bolkar Mountains.•Light and Shooting Hours:Early morning hours are the time to show the texture of the stones and hieroglyphic reliefs most clearly.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:On your return from the visit, you should try the casserole of beans and Toros plateau cheese in Ulukışla.