Kozkalesi Archaeological Project (KAP)

THE SITE

Kozkalesi is located atop a hill surrounded by steep valleys to its north, east and west. The southern side lacking the topographic advantage has been strengthened by towers with different characteristics, as well as by the inclusion of a dry moat system. The pathway from the bridge leads towards the castle and reaches the main entrance located to the west though the Entrance Tower. The remains to the south of the entrance that were resting on a large vaulted platform system probably belonged to the Keep. The last tower to the southeast of the wall can be distinguished from the others with its rectangular form and its inward looking position. At this point the topographical features give the impression to turn into a street expanding towards north, along which some underground spaces that might tentatively be identified as the bath, the cistern and the barns are located. There is not yet any evidence to locate the settlement area but the configuration of the site and the topography suggests that it expanded throughout the eastern section.

The remains essentially can be dated to the 12th and 13th centuries, although the name Cursat, which is the Latinized version of Arabic Qusayr (the small castle) suggests a defensive structure prior to the 12th century occupation. Aimery of Limoges, the Latin Patriarch of Antioch resided in the castle from 1165 onward. The castle could be defended during the 1268 Baybars attacks in the region when Antioch Principality fell. Mamluks finally received the control of Kozkalesi in 1275, but there is not yet any evidence concerning the aftermath of the site after this date.