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 Mersin
is one of the most modern provinces of the palmlined avenues,
city park and modern hotels region and a good base for
visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches. Mersin
which is the largest port on the Turkish Mediterranean.
There is also free zone here. It is a business centre. In
Mersin you may find all the comforts of a modern city and
all the characteristics of the Mediterranean cities.
Fish
is as well as most delicious in this region and in the
Mersin fish market you will find inexpensive fish
restaurants which are really enjoyable for those who love
fish and "Raki" or wine. Although Mersin dates only from the
19th century, it occupies an extremly ancient site. At Mount
Yumuktepe the excavations proved that there had been twelve
successive settlements beginning from the Neolithic Period.
Icel also has
hunting,
fishing, picnicking, mountaineering and caving attractions.
ANAMUR
Two hours west of
Mersin, Anamur is a lovely town situated in the mountains
and surrounded by banana plantations. There are the ruins of
ancient Anemorium, 10 kms to the west of the town on a fine
beach. Anamur Castle is well preserved and provides a
fascinating view of the landscape. The road between Anamur
and Silifke passes through the pineclad mountains which
descend to the sea offering splendid views of cliffs, coves
and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Aydincik is a comely village with pleasant beaches. After
Aydmclk, to the east, is the most beautiful coastline in
Turkey.
SILIFKE
Silifke, 90 kms from
Mersin, is a little bit inland, on the site of the acropolis
of ancient Selcucia and Colycadnos. The old bridge crossing
the Goksu River, the theatre and the temple from Roman times
are of interest. To the north of Silifke there is an
excellent excursion opportunity, to Uzuncaburc. The road up
to the magnificent ancient site of Olba-Diocaeserela is
lined with large tombs. In the ancient city there are the
ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Olbius and the Temple of
Tychaion, and numerous arches, theater, Byzantine church and
tower. Outside Silifke, on the road to
Tasucu is the archeological museum, while further on
AyaTekla is the tomb and church of St. Thecla who is the
first female martyr.
Tasucu is a pleasant
resort town with good accommodations and fine sandy beaches,
especially the Aphrodite Beach. The harbour includes regular
sea bus services to Girne in the Turkish Republic of
Northern
Cyprus.
Between Silifke and Mersin there is the little fishing
village Narlikuyu which you should not pass by without
tryirig the delicious fish by the turquoise bay In Narlikuyu
you can see a Roman mosaic depicting the Three Graces.
Around Narlikuyu an exciting excursion is to Cennet
Cehennem, (Heaven and Hell), and the Astim Dilek Caves which
are deep chasms, one of which has a chapel. They are really
fascinating and you will understand why they carry these
names once you visit.
60 kms from Mersin, to
the west is the ancient city Korykos, which is now the
resort town of Kizkalesi, with sandy beaches and
camping
sites.
There are important remains which are symbols of that region
like The Castle of Korykos on the beach faces the Kizkalesi
(Maiden's Castle) which stands on an islet 200 m offshore.
The two castles once used to be joined by a sea wall but now
they are separated. The road from Silifke to Mersin is very
enjoyable along the coast; the ancient basilicas, tombs and
ruins are on one side of the road and lie beautiful coves
with sandy beaches on the other. Ancient Pompeiopolis,
founded by Rhodians in 700 BC, provides many remarkable
ruins. The modern name of the city is Viransehir and it is
13 kms west of Mersin. At Kanlidivane you will see the ruins
of the ancient city Kanytelis clinging on the sides of a
deep chasm.
TARSUS
Tarsus is the
birthplace of St. Paul. Situated on the edge of the fertile
Cukurova plain in the city is middle of cedar groves. The
city is also the meeting place of legendary loves Antony and
Cleopatra, and there is the commemorative Cleopatra Gate. To
reach St. Paul's Cistern you pass through narrow streets of
the city; the old houses on the sides will prepare for the
things you will see . Then you may head for a rest by the
Tarsus watedalls and shady trees. The tombs of Prophet
Daniel, Lokman Hekim, a famous legendary medical doctor, are
here. There are also many historical places to visit like,
Cleopatras Gate, the Gozlukule, Justinians Bridge, on the
Tarsus Museum.
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