Mersin, with its geographical location as well as its historical and natural sites, offers a wide range of destinations worth visiting. Among its many attractions like Kızkalesi (Maiden’s Castle), Heaven and Hell Sinkholes, Alahan Monastery, Adamkayalar, and the ancient city of Anemurium. Now, let’s move on to another myth of Mersin… This one comes from Tarsus, a district of Mersin, and its history dates far, far back. This myth speaks of seven layers underground and the snakes that dwell there. Yes, we’re talking about the Myth of Şahmeran! For those wondering whether the story of Şahmeran is real, in our view, Şahmeran—often linked to the Medusa myth in Greek mythology—is nothing more than a symbolic retelling of the shared story of the women of these lands, expressed through mystical characters.
The statue of Şahmeran in Tarsus.
The Story of Cemşab and the Hidden Snake Kingdom
As the story goes, thousands of years ago, in Tarsus, there lived a species of snakes called the Merans, who dwelled seven layers beneath the earth in peace and harmony. Their queen was Şahmeran, a beautiful young woman. One day, Cemşab, the son of a poor family who made a living by collecting wood, discovered a cave full of honey with his friends.
In an attempt to get more honey for themselves, his friends sent Cemşab inside and then abandoned him. While searching for an exit, Cemşab dug slightly at a spot where light shone through and discovered a garden more beautiful than anything he’d ever seen. Alongside countless snakes, there were unique flowers, enormous pools, and of course, Şahmeran herself. Cemşab lived in this garden for many years, eventually earning the queen’s trust. Over time, however, he missed his family and begged Şahmeran for permission to leave. Şahmeran agreed under one condition: that Cemşab never reveal her location to anyone.
Betrayal and the Death of Şahmeran
For a long time after returning home, Cemşab kept his promise. But as the story continues, the king of the land fell ill, and the vizier spread word that the cure for the king’s illness was to consume Şahmeran’s flesh. The vizier pressured Cemşab into revealing the entrance to the cave, and eventually forced him to betray Şahmeran.
When Şahmeran was found and brought out, she saw how sorrowful Cemşab was and, unable to bear his grief, said to him: “Boil me in an earthen pot. Give my broth to the vizier to drink, and feed my flesh to the king.” And so, to answer the question of who killed Şahmeran: it was Cemşab, following her instructions. The king was healed, while the vizier died. The grateful king then appointed Cemşab as his new vizier. According to the myth, the snakes still do not know that Şahmeran was killed. If they ever find out, it is said they will invade Tarsus…
The Şahmeran–Lokman Hekim Connection
Another version of the Şahmeran myth claims that the figure of Cemşab was actually Lokman Hekim, the legendary physician. In this version, Cemşab stumbled upon the cave by chance and was brought before Şahmeran by the snakes. Şahmeran, believing that no one who knows her whereabouts should return to the surface, kept Cemşab captive. Over many years, Cemşab learned the secrets of medicine from Şahmeran. Eventually earning her trust, he was allowed to return to his family, though his body had become covered in scales. Şahmeran advised him never to show his body to anyone.
The Final Sacrifice: How Lokman Hekim Was Born
Time passed, and the king’s daughter fell ill. The king gathered sorcerers and demanded a cure. One of them declared that parts of Şahmeran’s body needed to be boiled and given to the princess to heal her. Determined to find Şahmeran, the vizier ordered his men to search the bathhouses for anyone with a scaly body. Eventually, they found Cemşab and forced him to lead them to Şahmeran.
When Cemşab explained the situation to Şahmeran, her first request was that, for the sake of preventing the snakes from seeking revenge on humans, Cemşab should keep her death a secret. Then, she told him to boil her tail and give the broth to the vizier, and to boil her body and give it to the princess. When he did this, the vizier would die and the princess would recover. Şahmeran’s final wish was for Cemşab to boil and drink her head—this would make him Lokman Hekim. And so it happened, according to the legend.
Where Is Şahmeran’s Grave?
Although some still believe Şahmeran is alive, it is widely believed that she was killed in the Şahmeran Bathhouse located in the Kızılmurat district of Tarsus, which is said to be her burial site…
