Snake's Castle

(Local Name: Yilanlikale) About 11km/7mi east of Misis, on the steep southern bank of the Ceyhan, a figure of the Hittite king Muwatalli (1315-1282 B.C.) can be seen carved into a smooth rock face rising above the river. On the top of a steep-sided crag on the north bank stands Yilanlikale ("Snake's Castle"), an Armenian stronghold and Crusader castle of the 12th century. According to legend it was the residence of Sheikh Meran, half man, half snake, who was killed in the baths at Tarsus while seeking to carry off the king's daughter.