Cilician Gates, Mountain pass in Taurus Mountains, Turkey
The Cilician Gates form a natural passage through the Taurus Mountains, connecting the Mediterranean coast with the Anatolian plateau at an elevation of approximately 1,280 meters. The corridor cuts through the mountain range in a relatively narrow band, creating one of the few practical routes between the coastal region and the interior.
Alexander the Great led his army through this strategic mountain corridor in 333 BCE before engaging the Persians at the Battle of Issus. The location had served as a crucial passage for various civilizations and military forces long before his arrival.
The passage served as a vital route for religious pilgrimages, with Saint Paul traveling through this corridor to spread Christianity across the region. For centuries, merchants and travelers relied on this path as a key connection between distant communities.
The modern E-90 highway with six lanes now traverses the pass, providing a direct connection between Ankara and the Mediterranean coast on a well-maintained route. Visitors should be aware that the modern road includes a steep ascent and the drive can be technically demanding.
German engineers constructed multiple viaducts and tunnels during World War I to establish a railway route through the challenging mountain terrain. These early structures demonstrate engineering accomplishment in one of the region's most demanding mountain settings.
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