Afşin

Afşin occupies the upland basin west of Elbistan, near the site of ancient Arabissos. On Bencilus Hill, a cave is venerated as the resting place of the Seven Sleepers, young believers who, according to a story shared by Christian and Islamic traditions, slept through centuries after fleeing persecution. Several places claim the tale, but the shrine near Afşin became a place of devotion in its own right.

Buildings grew around the cave under successive rulers. The Dulkadir prince Alaüddevle commissioned a madrasa between 1480 and 1492, adding to earlier religious buildings at the sanctuary. Pilgrims came to the cave and its surrounding complex to honour the companions whose story had crossed languages and faiths. The buildings bear witness to the patronage of local rulers as well as to the enduring appeal of the legend.