Eshab-ı Kehf Kulliye (The Seven Sleepers) The Eshab-ı Kehf Complex is located on a hill named Bencilus, approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) from the Afşin district in Kahramanmaraş province. It is situated about 130 kilometers (81 mi) from the center of Kahramanmaraş. The site of the complex has been influenced by a variety of religions and civilizations throughout history. Each of these cultures has contributed unique values to the area through their beliefs, and the sacred land has remained vibrant through the construction of structures from the Eastern Roman, Seljuk, Dulkadiroğlu Principality, and Ottoman Empire periods. Remnants of these ancient reigns can still be observed in the surviving buildings. According to historical records, the church within the complex was initially constructed by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius (408-450). Later, Nusretüddin Hasan Bey, the Emir of Maraş from the Anatolian Seljuks, built a series of structures on top of the church, including the mosque that stands today. Some materials from the original church were incorporated into the mosque’s construction, creating a harmonious fusion of the two buildings. The remaining structures in the complex were also built by Nusretüddin Hasan Bey. The Ribat, constructed in 1215 for military purposes along the borders and in strategic locations, and the inn built in 1233, provided shelter and services for travelers. During the Dulkadir Principality period, the complex was expanded with the addition of the madrasah (1480-1492) and the women’s mosque (1500). The Pasha Çardağı was constructed in 1531 during the Ottoman era. According to legend, during the Middle Ages in the city of Efsus or Yarpuz, the Roman Emperor Dakyanus ordered that people worship him and idols. In an era of declining belief in mythological gods, seven Christian youths named Yemliha, Mekselina, Mislina, Mernus, Sazenus, Tebernus, and Kefestetayus refused to bow to the emperor and instead worshipped in secret, leading to their persecution. They sought refuge in a cave where they encountered a loyal shepherd and fell asleep. When the emperor's viziers discovered the cave, they sealed its entrance to trap the youths inside. This story holds great significance in both Christian and Islamic traditions. The 18th chapter of the Quran, named "Kahf," recounts the tale of the Seven Sleepers. In Christianity, they are honored as saints, while in Islam, they are regarded as miracles. In 2015, the Eshab-ı Kehf Complex was added to UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, highlighting its cultural and historical value. Should you have any questions or inquiries about Eshab-ı Kehf Kulliye (The Seven Sleepers), feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.