Tokmar Castle, Castle ruin in Mersin Province, Turkey
Tokmar Castle is a fortress ruin perched on a plateau of the Toros Mountains at 380 meters elevation. Its exterior walls remain largely intact while the interior structures have vanished, creating an open space within the fortification.
The fortress was built in the 12th century by the Byzantine Empire and changed hands in 1210 between the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia and the Knights Hospitaller. This period marked significant shifts in regional control during the Crusader era.
The fortress reflects Byzantine military engineering with defensive towers positioned for mountain border protection. Visitors can observe how the layout was designed to control movements through this mountainous terrain.
The site is located about 33 kilometers from Silifke and accessed via the D 400 highway. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and come prepared for steep terrain, as the climb to the plateau requires some physical effort.
The fortress controlled an important trade route and served as a lookout post for ships passing along the coast. This strategic position made it a valuable possession for different rulers in the region.
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