What is cilician gates?

The Cilician Gates, also known as Gülek Pass, is a mountain pass located in the Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey, connecting the coastal plain of Cilicia to central Anatolia. The pass has historically been an important strategic route, serving as a major trade and military route for armies and merchants throughout history, including the ancient Persians, Alexander the Great, the Byzantines, the Seljuks, and the Ottomans. The pass is also mentioned in the Bible as the "Gates of Alexander" and played a key role during the crusades. Today, the Cilician Gates are used as a major highway and railway route connecting the cities of Adana and Konya.