The Mennan Castle, located at the summit of the Taurus
Mountains and whose establishment date is unknown, offers unique beauty for
history, nature, and photography enthusiasts. The castle was last used by the
Karamanoğlu Principality.
Due to its location on a steep terrain, Mennan Castle, which
has been used by the Hittites, Lydians, Assyrians, Persians, Seleucids, Romans,
Byzantines, Seljuks, Karamanids, and Ottomans throughout history, is known to
be quite difficult to conquer.
Located on the top of a plateau-like hill, which can only be
accessed through a narrow strip in the Mazı plateau on the west side, the
castle is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides, where the Göksu River
meets the Erik Stream.
Despite the numerous wars it has witnessed, Mennan Castle continues to defy time with its cisterns, warehouses, shelters, towers, and secret tunnels inside.
Finally, according to historical sources, during the reign
of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Karamanoğlu Pir Ahmed Bey took refuge in Mennan Castle
after losing the war against the Ottomans. However, the Ottoman Grand Vizier
Gedik Ahmed Pasha, who pursued him, captured the castle.