Discover the mighty city of Mersin, Turkey! Discover ancient ruins, enjoy delicious local cuisine and relax on the Mediterranean coast. Perfect for travelers looking for a unique destination.
A bustling port city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Mersin is a gem waiting for tourists to discover. Known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and rich culture, Mersin offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions. This guide will guide you through 8 essential facts about this amazing city for tourists. Let’s find out.
A Brief History of Mersin
Historians found the first settlement at Yumuktepe in the ninth century. Excavations have revealed 23 layers of settlement, reflecting thousands of years of human civilization. The native people called the city Zephyrion in ancient Greek times, later renamed Hadrianopolis in honor of the Roman emperor Hadrian. The findings of the Mersin Yumuktepe and Tarsus Gözlükula excavations show the facts. The Silesia region has a history dating back to Proto-Catholic and Neolithic periods.
Since 1700 BC, Mersin has been the birthplace of many great empires. This includes the Hittite Empire, Babylonian Empire, Persian Empire and Roman Empire. The list includes the Byzantine Empire, Arabs, Anatolian Seljuks, Armenian Kingdom and Ottoman Empire. Mersin joined the Republic of Turkey in 1924. Later, its governance changed the name to Mersin in 2002. Mersin has achieved many successes throughout history. This may reflect in every corner of the city.
Interesting Facts About Mersin Turkey For Travelers
Whether we talk about Mersin’s rich history, historical sites and its attractions. Every tourist will be amazed to get familiar with the interesting information. Following are some essential facts for visitors traveling to Mersin, Turkey:
1. Ottoman Era and Modern Times
Mersin became an important trading center during the Ottoman Empire, especially during the American Civil War, when it supplied cotton. Now in this era, it has a prosperous economy.
Mersin, which is a city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, became a key trading center during the Ottoman Empire. Its location near the sea helped it grow, during the American Civil War. When cotton was hard to find globally, Mersin supplied it to meet demand. This boosted Mersin’s economy and made it a lively port city that attracted many traders.
Today, Mersin has a strong economy that focuses on trade and industry. The city has grown with features, including a large port that connects Turkey to the world. Farming, business, and transportation supports the Mersin’s economy. These industries support Mersin’s diverse population and make it an exciting place to live.
Mersin in Turkey shines through its lively culture. The city has a blend of traditions, foods, and arts that show its Turkish and Mediterranean roots. Both locals and tourists can enjoy many types of food, art, and handmade crafts in Mersin’s busy markets. This cultural mix makes it an exciting place for visitors staying for vacations.
The city’s modern buildings mix with its historic sites, giving visitors a unique experience. Travelers can see ancient ruins while also enjoying shopping and dining. Mersin is a blend of old and new, connecting Turkey’s past with its present. This mix makes Mersin a great place for people to learn about Turkey’s history and modern culture.
Mersin’s trading history didn’t start with the Ottoman Empire. The city inherited trade practices from earlier civilizations, Hittites and Romans. Trade continued to grow during the Ottoman period. Also, the institutions evolved over time until the empire declined.
Mersin was special during the trading process and considered a port city at the crossroads of trade routes. Located on Mediterranean made Mersin a spot for commerce. Due to the commerce activities, contributed towards connecting different cultures and exchanging goods. That legacy is visible today and Mersin is a part of both regional and global trade.
2. Mersin Atatürk Museum
Turkey has dedicated the Mersin Atatürk Museum to the memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. It provides insight into his life and highlights the early years of the Republic of Turkey. Explore ancient ruins and learn about Mersin inhabitants. The Mersin Museum of Archaeology offers an in-depth look at the rich heritage of the region. The museum features artifacts from various periods, including the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The Mersin Museum of Archaeology shows the history and culture of the area. It has a collection of old artifacts and exhibits, including ancient Greek and Roman items, ceramics, coins, sculptures, and more. One of the highlights of the museum is a collection of ancient mosaics.
There is also a well-stocked library where you can learn more about the country’s past. The two-story building includes a children’s playground, a conference room, and a market. On the first floor, you can see glassware, clothing, and utensils. One of the important pieces in the museum is an inscription on black marble. The area with Islamic antiques displays Turkish clothing, personal items, and weapons. The upper floor features sculptures and column capitals from Soli Pompeipolis. When travelers visit the coins section, they can find coins from different civilizations. In this way, tourists get familiar with how Ottomans ruled over Mersin in the past. In this way, tourists get motivation to explore even more!
3. Exploring the Attractions of Mersin
Deep sinkholes formed by water eroding underground limestone, such as the Heaven Sinkhole, home to a small church, and the Hell Sinkhole, famous for its depth and mythological significance, are picturesque and perfect for a day trip. Waterfalls flow over the rocks into tranquil pools surrounded by lush greenery.
The Mersin Province of Turkey has two sinkholes known as Cennet (Heaven) and Cehennem (Hell). They have become popular tourist destinations due to their impressive size and characteristics. Cennet measures 250 x 110 square meters (820×360 square feet) and has an average depth of 70 meters (230 feet). Visitors can descend to the bottom of the cave via 300 steps. At the bottom, where they can explore a smaller cave at a depth of around 15 meters. This smaller cave features an underground stream that flows towards Narlıkuyu Bay. At the entrance of Cennet, there is a church built in honor of the Virgin Mary. The apse of the church has a design of frescoes during the 12th century AD. Although much of the artwork of Virgin Mary has since eroded.
Cehennem, so, is a deeper sinkhole with a depth of 128 meters (420 feet). Its top opening has an area of 70 x 50 square meters (210 x 150 square feet), which is smaller than the surface area. The upper edge of the opening curves inwards, making it impossible to access what lies below. Zeus held Typhon in Cehennem before imprisoning him under Mount Etna.
4. Culinary Delights
Mersin is famous for its delicious tantuni, made from minced lamb fried in flatbread, and Ciğer Kebap (liver kebab). Local restaurants have expertise in authentic cuisine, offering fresh seafood and delicacies such as börek and gözleme. Ciğer kebabı, or liver kebab, is a popular Turkish dish made from skewered and grilled liver. It comes from southeastern Turkey, especially from cities like Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, and Şanlıurfa. People in the southern provinces love to enjoy it, and it has cultural importance.
This dish is often eaten for breakfast. To prepare it, chefs cut the liver and season it with salt, spices, and sometimes vegetables. It is then skewered with tail fat. In Gaziantep, the chef cut the liver into cubes and skewered them. While in Mersin, Adana, and Şanlıurfa, they were threaded in smaller pieces using special skewers. Often alternating with tail fat in Gaziantep.
In Urfa, cooks wrap the skewers in tail fat. They serve it in different ways: they can garnish it with parsley and onion and season it with cumin. Or serve parsley with lavash bread. In Gaziantep, chefs serve it on skewers with bread, alongside ornamental pepper and lemon.
Roasted green peppers and tomatoes often go with the skewers. Old Ottoman cookbooks, such as Melceü’t-Tabbâhîn, mention ciğer kebabı and cook sheep and lamb liver over fire. Season the ciğer kebabı with garlic, vinegar, water, and salt. Urfa liver kebab and Diyarbakır liver kebab, both recognized for unique local flavors.
5. Entertainment and Culture
Mersin offers a shopping experience with unique decor and provides entertainment facilities. This includes theaters and music festivals that feature traditional performances. When tourists think of shopping in Mersin, the first place that arises in the mind is Forum Mall.
Visiting Forum Mall is one of the best things to do in Mersin, and it is known as one of the top shopping malls in Turkey. Besides the amazing boutiques, you’ll also find lots of fun activities to enjoy. First, we invite you to take a walk through the part of the mall that has plenty of stores. This is a great chance to look for gifts, souvenirs, and fun items to take home. If you’re wondering where to do your household shopping, you’ve come to the right place. Forum Mall has many stores for household supplies.
You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to leave the mall to do your electronic shopping. There are many electronic stores inside. You’ll need to buy groceries and canned food for daily meals. You can find everything you need at the supermarket located in the mall.
To make your trip even more fun, you can spend quality time with your kids at the many entertainment areas, like the children’s amusement center. It’s the perfect time to grab some popcorn and relax in comfy chairs. Enjoy historical films like Bir Cumhuriyet Şarkısı and Mustafa at the mall’s cinema. These two films cover the theme of the Republic of Turkey.
6. Historical Landmarks
Discover the fascinating history of the city by visiting St. Paul’s Church, Cleopatra’s Gate, and the ancient Roman road. The old city of Tarsus that includes its Roman theater and baths provides insight into the history of empires.
One of the most important landmarks is St. Paul’s Church. Thought to be the birthplace of Saint Paul, a famous Christian leader. This church has beautiful architecture that shows Byzantine styles. Visitors can walk through the church, decorated with detailed frescoes. And historical items that give a peek into the early Christian community in the area.
Cleopatra’s Gate, a beautiful arch that has design history during the Roman period. This impressive structure served as an entrance to the ancient city of Tarsus. Tarsus connects with the famous meeting between Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The gate’s beauty and historical importance make it a must-see for tourists in history. The old Roman road shows how important Tarsus was as a trade route. This Tarsus is the route that connects different parts of the Roman Empire.
The ancient city of Tarsus also has a Roman theater, baths, and a necropolis. This city helps us understand the daily lives and customs of the people who lived there long ago. The Roman theater is well-preserved and tourists look at the building skills of that time. It was a lively place for performances in the past. The nearby baths present the social life of Romans and a place to gather to relax. The necropolis, with its carved tombs, shows how ancient people performed the rituals of dead ones.
Mersin offers a busy waterfront and modern restaurants and many choices for visitors. Ensuring a great experience for tourists. Travelers want to go on an adventure in the nearby Taurus Mountains. They want to relax on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches, Mersin is a perfect place. It is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy both history and modern life.
7. Aynalıgöl (Gilindire) Cave
Gilindire Cave, located in Mersin’s Aydıncık District, is often called the “8th Wonder of the World.” Formed by water dissolving the area’s limestone, it’s like Mersin’s famous Heaven and Hell Pitches. This unique cave, situated near the sea, gives scientists clues about changes in sea levels before the Ice Age.
Also known as Aynalıgöl Cave, its entrance is about 50 meters above sea level. The cave is 555 meters long and 46 meters deep. As you go down 560 steps, you’ll encounter many unusual formations like stalactites, cave pearls, and unique rock shapes. The journey ends at a large, clear lake, measuring 140 meters in length and up to 47 meters deep. This lake, called Aynalıgöl, acts like a mirror, reflecting the cave’s features in its still waters. The top 10 meters of the lake are freshwater, while the rest is saltwater, hinting at a connection to the sea.
Aydıncık was once called Kelenderis; the Phoenicians founded it around 3,000 years ago. Ancient sailors might have used the cave for its fresh water, and Neolithic pottery found there suggests people visited long ago. The cave’s discovery story is also unique; in 2000, a shepherd noticed a hedgehog vanish into a small hole and discovered the cave’s entrance. Later, the authorities made it a tourist spot with help from the Mersin Special Provincial Administration.
In 2019, Aynalıgöl Cave made headlines when Turkish freediver Şahika Ercümen set a world record here. She dove 90 meters underwater without fins in just over 2 minutes, dedicating her dive to the Turkish soldiers. Gilindire Cave lies east of Aydıncık’s center. If you’re coming from Silifke, follow the cave sign 4 kilometers before Aydıncık’s center, turning off the Mersin-Antalya highway toward the sea. From Antalya, follow the sign 4 kilometers past Aydıncık.
The entrance fee is 7 TL, but the Museum Card is not accepted. There’s parking, restrooms, and a café at the entrance, giving visitors a scenic view of the Mediterranean Sea. The high humidity inside means it’s best to wear breathable clothes, especially in summer.
If you visit Gilindire Cave, take some time to explore Aydıncık’s Dört Ayak Mausoleum and relax. At Soğuksu Beach, where an icy stream cools the sea, making it a favorite spot for locals in summer.
8. Weather, and Top Attractions
Planning to visit Mersin offers you the facility to approach the nearest international airport. Its name is Adana Akilpa Airport (ADA). This airport offers many ways to get to Mersin, including taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services. For an economical option, you can take a bus from Adana to Mersin. Once you arrive in Mersin, you’ll find a reliable bus system and a scenic train route. This will make it easy to explore the area.
Mersin’s weather is warm most of the year, but summers can be very hot. Especially in July and August, when temperatures can go over 35°C (95°F). If you visit in the summer, wear light, airy clothes, and drink plenty of water. Winters are mild and comfortable, with a bit of rain, making it a good time to see the city without big crowds. For those who enjoy cooler weather, fall and spring are great times to visit. As the temperatures are pleasant and it’s less busy. Many tourists enjoy these seasons for walking along the coast.
You can visit the Mersin Museum, which has ancient artifacts. Or take a day trip to the famous Cennet and Cehennem caves, which are natural wonders nearby. If you like trying new foods, be sure to taste ciğer kebabı (liver kebab) and tantuni. Ciğer kebabı is a spicy beef wrap that’s special to this area. The city also has lively markets where you can buy souvenirs, local spices, and handmade items. In this way, travelers get the chance to have a feel for Turkish culture.
Whether you want to relax, Mersin has something for everyone. The long Mediterranean coastline offers beautiful beaches where you can relax or try water activities. You can take a walk along Mersin Marina, a famous place with cafes, restaurants, and amazing sea views. At the time of sunset, enjoy a meal at one of the seafood restaurants along the coast. Many travelers are fond of trying fresh Mediterranean flavors. With rich history, tasty food, and lovely coastline, Mersin serves a memorable tour for all travelers.
Conclusion
Artifacts discovered in Mersin’s Yumuktepe and Tarsus’s Gözlükula sites show that the Cilicia region has a history dating back to the early Neolithic and Protohistoric periods. Since 1700 B.C., Mersin has been home to many great civilizations, including the Hittites, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Anatolian Seljuks, Armenian Kingdoms, the Karamanoğulları and Ramazanoğulları principalities, and the Ottoman Empire. Mersin officially became part of the Republic of Turkey in 1924. In 1933, it merged with the city of İçel (with its center in Silifke) and was called İçel. Later, in 2002, it was renamed Mersin. The influence of the many civilizations that once flourished here can still be seen throughout the city today.
