What is the story behind the legend of the ''Sleeping Giant'' in Mount Süphan?

Mount Süphan is a dormant volcano located in Eastern Turkey. It is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and unique geological features. According to local legend, the mountain is home to a sleeping giant who guards the land.

The legend goes that a giant named Süphan fell in love with a mortal woman and decided to live among humans. However, his size and strength made him feared and rejected by the people, forcing him to flee to the mountains. There he found a home on the slopes of the volcano, where he lived in peace and protected the land from harm.

One day, a group of bandits came to the mountain and began to wreak havoc on the surrounding villages. The giant, angered by their actions, decided to confront them. He threw boulders at the bandits, causing a landslide that buried them all. In doing so, however, he also triggered an eruption of the volcano, which engulfed him in lava and put him into a deep sleep.

According to the legend, the giant will awaken when his people are in danger, and his snoring can be heard echoing through the valleys. Many locals believe that the mountain is sacred and that the giant's spirit still watches over the land.