In Konya, the Gevale Castle (Gevale Kalesi), located on the 1,700-meter-high Mount Takkeli Dağ, is expected to open to visitors in 2027 after the completion of restoration work.

At the same time, the possibility of building a cable car is being explored to provide fast and safe access to the summit, according to Turkish media reports.

“Gevale Kalesi is an important testament to Konya’s long history and has protected the city for thousands of years. In the future, we plan to present archaeological findings in an open-air museum and create a modern visitor center. This will allow guests from all over the world to experience history firsthand,” Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı was quoted by the portal Hürriyet.de.

According to Haber Dairesi, feasibility studies for the cable car project are currently underway. The mayor emphasized at a press conference that comprehensive analyses are being carried out regarding the construction process, permits, sustainability, and route planning.

Great tourist potential

The municipal administration is convinced that the restored fortress could become a major tourist attraction.

“For around 13 years, we have been carrying out careful excavations in this historic area. Mount Takkeli was already an important settlement site in antiquity and today offers an impressive 360-degree panoramic view over Konya. Visitors can immerse themselves deeply in history here while also enjoying the view,” said Pekyatırmacı.

Since 2012, numerous historical artefacts have been uncovered as part of the restoration work.

Historical significance

Gevale Fortress is located in the Sarayköy neighbourhood of the Selçuklu district and dates back to the Hellenistic period. Throughout history, it was actively used under Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Karamanid, and Ottoman rule.

Due to its strategic location, it is considered Konya’s “guardian castle” and, with its thousands of years of history, is among the city’s most significant historical treasures.