Hançerkale Tower

Hançerkale Tower, locally just known as Hançerkale, lies in the village of Ovacık, in the province of Mersin in Turkey.

The name Hançerkale translates back to Dagger (Hançer-) Castle (-kale). But, although called a castle, it is actually an observation tower, probably built in the 6th century by the Byzantines.

The tower has a rectangular plan and was built out of polygonal masonry. There are reliefs of a sword, a shield, a Hercules' club and a Dioskuri helmet on the lintel above the entrance. At present it has a height of 5.3 meters.

Hançerkale Tower is situated on the grounds of the village mosque, but was freely accessible when I visited. A very nice tower. Gökburç Tower is nearby.

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