Mersin, which is surrounded by orange and lemon groves, is an important port of Turkey on the Eastern Mediterranean. From Mersin, which is Turkey’s biggest free-trade area on the Mediterranean, ferryboats depart regularly for Gazi Magosa in Northern Cyprus. You will not forget the taste of the fresh fish eaten at the fish market, or of the cezire and bread and pepper, among the local delicacies. Notwithstanding its modern looks, Mersin is located on the site of very ancient settlements. As a result of ongoing excavations at the Yumuktepe Tumulus three kilometers to the west of the city, various settlements going as far back as the Neolithic age have been discovered.
Thirteen kilometers to the west of Mersin is Pompeipolis, which was founded in 700 BC, or Viransehir as it is known nowadays. Here you can see the Corinthian style columns all along the main avenue. Pompeipolis was a very important Roman city. It is thought that at its zenith its population was 250 thousand. However, following an earthquake in the 6th century, it was destroyed for the most part and lost its former splendor. This is why it is nowadays known as Viransehir (ruined city). Silifke is a bit inland from the seashore and has spread on the slopes of a hill. This town, that is crowned by a fort, was known in ancient times as Seleucia. To the north of Silifke, at Demircili along the road to Uzuncaburc, there are well preserved monumental tombs dating back to early Roman times.
By following the seashore road starting at Silifke towards the south, you will reach Meryemlik, which is a Roman necropolis where there are the monumental tomb and church of Thecla, who was the first woman saint.
turkeytravel
Son Yorumlar