Toprakkale Castle is located at the intersection of the roads to Osmaniye, Adana, and İskenderun in Toprakkale district of Osmaniye province. Located approximately 10 km from the city center, the castle was built at a strategic point to control the historical road connecting Çukurova. The castle is situated on a 75-meter-high earth mound and overlooks the surrounding plain.
Historical and Structural Features
The construction date of Toprakkale Castle dates back to the 2000s BC. The castle was initially built by the Seleucids. The foundations of the castle were laid between 312-64 BC. However, the castle was reconstructed by different civilizations over time. Particularly after the conquest of Çukurova by the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid (786), the castle was rebuilt with black stones. During this period, the castle was named "Al-Kenisat-Tüs Savda" (Black Church). In the 10th century, the Hamdanids called it "Tel-Hamdün".
During the Ottoman period, it was known as "Castle" and functioned as a significant military structure. The castle has a rectangular plan and is surrounded by high walls. The castle, which has 12 towers, connects its round towers with thick walls. The round loopholes bear traces of Mamluk period architecture. The white stone decorations and details in the castle's structure are similar to the Mamluk style.
Strategic Importance
In the Middle Ages, Toprakkale Castle—along with Anavarza, Hemite, Bodrum, Çardak, and Tumlu castles— formed one of the most important defense points in the region. Also called "Kınık Castle" by the Ottomans, the castle, together with other castles in the region, served as an important observation and control area. Furthermore, the surrounding walls were designed to protect against enemy attacks.
Restoration and Tourism
After 1517, the castle was used as a barracks and eventually abandoned. However, in recent years, significant efforts have been initiated to open the castle to tourism. The restoration works initiated in 2021 by the Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate of Osmaniye have restored the entrance and vaulted structures of the castle. In the following stages, it is planned to add structures such as a café, restaurant, picnic area, walking paths, and shops.
The first stage of the restoration of Toprakkale Castle has been completed, and it is aimed to open it to local and foreign tourists in March. In addition, Toprakkale Municipality plans to create a garden next to the castle. With these works, the castle surroundings have been landscaped, and areas where visitors can relax have been created. The castle's tourist attraction is increasing not only because of its historical structure and strategic importance but also because of its surrounding observation deck and walking paths.
Surroundings
Toprakkale Castle is one of the 26 historical castles registered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism located within the boundaries of Osmaniye, such as Kastabala, Harun Reşit, Savranda, and Hemite. For this reason, Osmaniye is also called the "the city of castles". The strategic location of Toprakkale Castle, at the crossroads of important roads in Çukurova, shows how important a place the castle holds both historically and culturally.
Present Status
Toprakkale Castle is of great importance not only for its historical structure and architecture but also for its tourism potential following the arrangements and restoration works in its surroundings. The region where the castle is located has become an important destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Contributing to the historical texture of Osmaniye, the castle is an important asset for both Osmaniye and the region's cultural heritage.
