Payas Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex The Payas Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex is a remarkable site made up of three main components: the Payas Castle, the Demon Tower, and the Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai complex. The Payas Castle stands out among Turkish castles due to its unique history, originally constructed by the Genoese before being handed over to the Knights Templar. Later, it came under Ottoman rule and was rebuilt by the Ottomans during the development of the Caravanserai in the 16th century. The Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai is the largest and most significant section of the complex, built to serve travelers passing through the region. This grand inn was constructed in 1574 by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan for Sokullu Mehmet Pasha, located at a key junction where trade routes crossed the Hajj road to Mecca. The caravanserai provided lodging for travelers and their belongings, along with facilities for ablutions, prayer, and commercial activities with fellow travelers. Within the complex lies the Sarı Selim Mosque, also referred to as the "Yellow Selim Mosque." This small mosque is noted in the travel records of the famous Ottoman explorer Evliya Chelebi. Its courtyard is distinguished by a large 350-year-old olive tree, a notable landmark in the area. Just outside the city walls, close to both the Payas Castle and the caravanserai, stands the Demon Tower, locally known as the "Cin Kule." Built three years after the Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai, this fortress was designed to defend the harbor. It also housed a new Ottoman shipyard that played a role in the campaign to conquer Cyprus. Although the Demon Tower has lost some of its original historic character, it has been restored and now operates as a small café. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Payas Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp, and we will reply as soon as possible.