Discover Kozan: Castle, Culture and Nature

Kozan Castle, also known as Sis Castle, lies in the centre of Kozan on a steep limestone hill and overlooks the plain. Its location connects two scales: the town centre and the plain below. The complex was built in two groups, with a total of 44 towers and bastions. Its location and layout give the fortress a distinct character. For travellers interested in historic architecture, the castle is a notable attraction alongside Kozan’s other buildings.

Castle, Monastery and Historic Buildings

At the foot of the castle are the Kilikya Monastery and the historic Arıkan Konağı. The monastery was regarded as the spiritual centre of the Armenian patriarchs; only its surrounding walls remain. The Arıkan Konağı adds another historic building at the foot of the castle. Kozan’s history is evident here not only in the fortress, but also in the history of its monastery and buildings.

The area at the foot of Kozan Castle, landscaped by the municipality, is a social meeting place frequently visited by residents. The castle area therefore has a social role in the town as well as historical significance. Kozan’s historic bridge offers another link between the town’s history and its layout. It was built over the Kozan River, also known as the Kilgen River, and has nine arches. Since earlier times, it has connected Kozan with the western part of the town. Unlike the castle complex and monastery, it has shaped the town’s history through its role as a crossing over the river.

Kozan’s traditional crafts include making Tapan knives, copperwork, tinning and wood carving. Alongside the historic buildings, these tangible craft traditions come to the fore. From knife-making and metalwork to wood carving, they offer another way to explore the town’s culture beyond its architecture.

Ancient History and Nature Nearby

Nearby is the ancient city of Anavarza, in the village of Dilekkaya, 28 kilometres south of the centre of Kozan district. In 2014, Anavarza was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This status is distinct from inscription on the World Heritage List. Anavarza thus complements Kozan’s historic buildings with an ancient site in the surrounding area.

Dağılcak Nature Park, 15 kilometres from Kozan, offers a different focus and was designated a nature park in 2011. The park has picnic areas and viewpoints, and visitors can also enjoy nature walks and day trips. Anavarza and Dağılcak cater to different interests: ancient history on the one hand, and nature and leisure on the other.

In Kozan district, the Kozan City Museum displays, in particular, Roman mosaics, coins, sculptures and everyday objects from Anavarza. The collections on display may change over time. Anavarza’s material culture is therefore another topic to explore alongside Kozan’s historic buildings and craft traditions.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

When choosing a holiday apartment in Kozan, the focus of your trip may be the deciding factor: would you like to concentrate mainly on the town’s historic buildings and craft traditions, or also include nature and ancient history in the surrounding area? This distinction can help you plan your time in Kozan around the topics that interest you most.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Narlık, Akdam, Karataş, Adana, Aladağ, Şambayadı Mahallesi, Uluçınar, Yumurtalık

For the overview of the wider region: Adana.