MERSIN
Mark
Antony gave the lovely Cilician shores, the land between Alanya and the
Syrian Border to Cleopatra, as a wedding present. Also associated with
the region's past is St. Paul, a native of Tarsus. Today the region is
known for its fertile soil which produces abundant crops, and for the hospitality
of the region's denizens. Surrounded by densely cultivated market gardens,
Mersin, the provincial center lies midway on the eastern Mediterranean
coast of Turkey Its shady palm-lined avenues, city park and modern hotels
create a pleasant ambience from which to visit the nearby historical sites
and numerous beaches. A rapidly developing city and the largest freezone
port on the Turkish Mediterranean, Mersin has a regular car ferry service
to Gazimagosa (Famagusta) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In
the fish market sample the fresh catch in one of the several inexpensive
restaurants Other local delicacies include cezire, a local confection of
carrots rolled around a walnut center, and biberli ekmek, a small pizza
topped with a spicy meatless sauce. Despite its very modern appearance,
Mersin occupies the site of an extremely ancient city At the Yumuktepe
tumulus, three kilometers west of town, excavations have unearthed several
successive settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age.
RUINS
The
road from Mersin to Silifke closely follows the coast, passing by pine
forests and orange groves. On one side lie the ruins of cities, basilicas
and tombs, on the other a series of small secluded coves with sandy beaches.
13 km west of Mersin, a row of Corinthian columns that once lined the main
street, remain at Viransehir (ancient Pompeiopolis), founded in 700 B.C.
by Rhodians. 
At
Kanlidivane are the ruins of ancient Kanytelis, with tombs resembling small
temples, churches and sarcophagi dating from Roman and Byzantine times.
The city itself and the ruins are all on the sides of a deep chasm. Kizkalesi,
a holiday resort and the ancient site of Korykos, has fine sandy beaches,
motels and camp sites. The Castle of Korykos on shore faces another fort,
Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle), that stands on a tiny island 200 meters offshore.
Formerly a sea wall joined the two fortresses. just beyond Kizkalesi, on
a bay lined with fish restaurants at the little fishing village of Narlikuyu,
is a Roman mosaic depicting the Three Graces. Farther on are the deep chasms
known as Cennet-Cehennem (Heaven and Hell). In the Vale of Heaven are the
ruins of a fifth-century chapel. Nearby in the deep Narlikuyu Cave, full
of stalagmites and stalactites, the humid air is believed to aid sufferers
of respiratory diseases. The Mausoleum of the Fearless King (Mezgit kalesi)
is 12 km north of Susanoglu Beach and 2.5 km east of Pasli Village. The
mausoleum façade is 8 meters high, with Corinthian columns and a
1-meter high relief of Priapos on the base. Its the largest mausoleum
and dates from Roman times.
SILIFKE
Located
slightly inland, Silifke (90 km from Mersin spreads out at the foot of
a hill. 
Crowned
with a citadel this piece of high ground was formerly the acropolis of
Clician Seleucia. In the town a Roman bridge crosses the ancient Calycadnos
River today called the Goksu Ataturk once stayed in a local turn-of-the-century
house that has now been converted into the Ethnography Museum. The Silifke
Archaeology Museum, on the way to Tasucu, is filled with relics from all
over the area. In Demircili (the ancient Imbriogon) north of Silifke on
the way Uzuncaburc, there are well preserved monumental tombs of the early
Roman Period. The drive up the mountain road to the magnicifent ancient
site of Diocaesarae, Uzuncaburc, at 1200 meters, is lined with large tombs.
The remains of the impressive Temple of Zeus, Olbius, The Temple of Tyche,
a monumental arch, theater, Byzantine church, and tower are outstanding.
Four kilometers to the east, the ruins of Olba (Ura) - the Roman aqueducts,
theater, and fountain - make a quick tour well worth-while. Continuing
along the coast road south from Silifke you come to Meryemlik (Ayatekla),
a Roman necropolis with the tomb and church of St. Thecla, the first female
martyr.
TASUCU
Tasucu,
with good accommodations for tourists, is a resort town with sandy beaches
and a harbor. 
A
regular sea bus and ferry boat service connects the town with Girne in
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Ovacik, 44 km west of Tasucu,
is a quiet spot well-known for its fisherman's wharf and beach. The Peninsula
(ancient Cavaliere) of Ovacik is one of the natural highlights of Turkey,
an area ideal for diving. If this sport interests you, visit Kosrelik Bay
and Kosrelik Island. Off the coast of Kösrelik Bay, you will find
Roman ruins and beautiful mosaics in Afrodisias, 18 km southeast of Ovacik.
Aydincik, to the west of Ovacik, clearly marks the surrounding sailing
waters ensuring safety for the yachts that ply this breathtaking stretch
of coast. The shore road that clings to the pine-clad mountain slopes which
plunge steeply down to the sea, offers spectacular views of cliffs coves
and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Another 36 km
to the west of Aydincik, Bozyazi is a holiday center with clean and roomy
camping sales along its wide beaches. The fine, well-preserved Anamur Castle,
set between two curving sandy beaches, commands a splendid view of the
coastline. Originally built by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages, it later
served as an Ottoman stronghold.
ANAMUR
138 km from
Silifke inland the town of Anamur is nestled in the mountains with banana
plantations surrounding it. Just west of town on a beautiful beach are
the ruins of ancient Anomorium with double ramparts, a theater, odeon
bath and necropolis. Situated in tiers above the its perfect for a climb
to top which overlooks one of the cleanest and most pristine seasides in
Turkey.
