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Mersin
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.
Mersin 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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