Içel ( Mersin )... |
Içel or 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.
Içel also has hunting, fishing, picnicking, mountaineering and caving attractions. 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 km 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 and lovely
village with pleasant beaches. After Aydincik, to the east, is the most beautiful coastline in Türkiye. Silifke, 90 km
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 Aya Tekla 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.
|
|
|