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Surrounded by densely cultivated orchards and
agricultural land, Mersin lies midway
along Turkey's east Mediterranean
coast. Its shady, palm-lined avenues, city parks and
modern hotels create a pleasant ambiance, and there is plenty to
visit in the way of nearby historical sites and beaches. Mersin is
developing rapidly and has the largest tax-free zone on the Turkish
Mediterranean. It is close to the
important commercial cities of Adana and Tarsus
and its modern hotels are well equipped to host national and
international conferences.
Despite its very modern appearance, the city
occupies the site of an extremely ancient city. At the Yumuktepe
tumulus, 3 kilometres west of the town, excavations have unearthed
several successive settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age.
Mersin is well
situated for excursions to the Taurus Mountains, the eastern
Mediterranean coast and Antakya (ancient Antioch). The sunny
climate and mild temperatures make it a pleasant
city
all year round.
Main Events
May 20-26: Silifke Music and Folklore Festival
September-October: International Mersin Festival and Fair.
Places to Visit
Ataturk House, Yumuktepe, Adana, Tarsus (Cleopatra Gate), Viransehir
(Pompeiopolis), Silifke, Kanlidivane (Kanytelis), Kizkalesi
(Korykos), Cennet, Cehennem and Narlikuyu Caves, Uzuncaburc
(Diocaesarea).
Tours and Excursions
Adana: Archaeology Museum, Seyhan Dam Reservoir
Tarsus: The birthplace of St Paul, Tarsus is
situated on the edge of the fertile Cukurova Plain. It was also a
meeting place for Mark Anthony and Cleopatra,, commemorated by its
Cleopatra gate. Tarsus has picturesque old houses,
and holds an annual folk-dancing festival.
Tarsus
Waterfall amongst shady trees is also worth a
visit.
Nearby: Pompeipolis, Kantelis, Korykos, Narlikuyu, Silifke,
Uzuncaburc (Diocaesarea), Meryemlik, Tasucu
Antakya: Mosaic Museum, St. Peter's Grotto.
Access
Air: Adana Airport, 69 km from Mersin.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.
Rail: Connections from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Sea: Car ferries to and from Gazimagosa (Famagusta, North Cyprus),
port of call for Mediterranean cruises.
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