Eshab-ı Kehf Complex and Mosque

This religious site and mosque was built under the direction of Seljuk Sultans Izzeddin Keykavus (1211-1220) and Alaeddin Keykubad I (1220-1237) under the direction of the Governor of Maras, Nusretüddin Hasan Bey. The complex was built between 1216 and 1230. Located 8 km from Afşin, it sits on the western slope of a high hill. The complex consists of a mosque, caravanserai, ribat and many other small structures of unknown purpose. Later additions to the complex were made by the Külliye Dulkadir District and the Ottoman State. Eshab-ı Kehf Mosque is located at the entrance of Eshab-ı Kehf cave. There is a three-part structure in front of the two vaulted cave which is carved into the rock and connected with wide arches. To the east of the mosque, there is a three section common prayer area with two vaults and one covered with a small dome. The mosque is similar in style to the Seljuk Ulu Mosque.

The ribat, part of which is carved into the rock, is a two-storey building. The lower floor is made of cut stone paved in brick. The structure is entered from the south through a magnificent door topped with a high crown with adorned borders. In the middle of the star-studded borders are floral bouquets and geometric badges. To the right of the entrance is a long corridor to another hall with three arches, while in the salon there is a vaulted mosque attached to an arch with vertical eyelets. It is believed that the caravanserai, which is not on the caravan roads, was actually a mausoleum. The caravanserai consists of rooms around the open courtyard. The corners of the courtyard and other places are covered with pointed vaults.