Mound Ersele

Mound Ersele is an earthen hill in central Anatolia measuring 125 meters across and rising about 20 meters high. The mound sits at roughly 1150 meters elevation and conceals underground chambers and passages beneath its surface that connect to a subterranean city complex.

The mound served as a settlement site across several historical periods spanning many centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests it was connected to ancient trade routes that passed through central Anatolia.

The mound reveals layers of settlement where successive communities rebuilt their homes on the same spot over centuries. Visitors can observe how local building methods and ways of living changed throughout different periods.

The site is reachable from Aksaray city and is best explored with a local guide who knows the area. The terrain is relatively open, so bring sun protection and wear appropriate clothing for the weather.

The site connects to an underground city whose chambers and passages run beneath the mound and extend deep into the earth. This hidden network makes it a layered location where surface and subterranean settlement evidence merge together.

Location: Çatin

Location: Ortaköy

Location: Aksaray Province

Elevation above the sea: 1,150 m

Height: 20 m

Diameter: 125 m

Part of: Ersele Underground City

GPS coordinates: 38.67972,34.21472

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:43