Located on the Mediterranean coast in southern Türkiye, Mersin has hosted various civilizations throughout history and today stands out as a city distinguished by its port, industry, and tourism. With a deep-rooted history dating back to the Neolithic Age, its natural beauty, and modern urban structure, Mersin draws attention as one of the region’s centers both economically and culturally.
Mersin, one of the most important port cities in the Mediterranean Region, stands out among Türkiye’s remarkable cities with its historical background, economic potential, and natural riches. With a 321-kilometer coastline, the longest in the country, Mersin holds a strategic position in the regional economy in terms of agriculture, industry, and tourism alike. Known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, Mersin emerges as one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia with its deep-rooted history. Excavations carried out at the Yumuktepe Mound reveal that the history of Mersin dates back 9,000 years to the Neolithic Age.
Located in the south of Türkiye, Mersin is bordered by Antalya to the west, Adana to the east, and the provinces of Konya and Karaman to the north. With a 321-kilometer coastline, Mersin is one of the provinces with the longest shoreline in Türkiye and experiences the effects of the Mediterranean climate. Therefore, summers in Mersin are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy.
The Taurus Mountains bring life to the city
Located to the north of the city, the Taurus Mountains are one of the most important factors shaping Mersin’s climate and vegetation. Due to its Mediterranean climate, Mersin has a remarkably rich flora. In areas close to the coastline, maquis species such as oleander, laurel, carob, strawberry tree, and myrtle tree are commonly found, while in the interior regions, extensive forests of cedar and black pine stretch alongside carob and olive trees. This natural diversity makes the region valuable not only in terms of agricultural production but also for ecotourism. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, half of the province is covered with forests. This makes Mersin one of the greenest provinces in Türkiye in terms of forest wealth. These forests, which are of great importance for timber production, also play a vital role in terms of wildlife and water resources.
The fertile lands of Çukurova diversify Mersin’s agriculture
With its strong economy, Mersin is one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean Region and has a highly developed structure in the agriculture, industry, and logistics sectors. The Mersin Plain, where the fertile Çukurova lands extend, allows for a wide variety of products thanks to favorable climate conditions throughout most of the year. One of Türkiye’s leading provinces in citrus, banana, olive, vegetable, and grain production, Mersin has also attracted attention in recent years with its investments in greenhouse farming and export-oriented agriculture. Mersin’s industry is centered around food processing, agricultural industry, chemicals, plastics, textiles, furniture, and metal processing. Mersin’s production capacity is further enhanced by the organized industrial zones located in different districts. Additionally, energy, logistics, and storage activities continue to grow in the region, where international companies have made investments.
Türkiye’s gateway to the Mediterranean
At the heart of Mersin’s economic strength lies the Mersin International Port, one of Türkiye’s largest container ports. Located in the strategic position of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Port of Mersin plays a key role not only in Türkiye’s export and import traffic but also in transit trade. With an annual cargo handling capacity of millions of tons, the port serves not only the national economy but also neighboring countries in the region. Thanks to its road and railway connections extending to Central Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, and even the Middle East, the Port of Mersin forms a crucial link in the international transportation network.
Mersin’s white gold
As one of Türkiye’s leading cities in cotton production, Mersin makes a significant contribution to the agricultural economy with cotton, known as the “white gold,” grown in the fertile lands of Çukurova. Especially in the districts of Tarsus, Akdeniz, and Toroslar, vast cotton fields spread across large areas and are prepared for harvest every year starting from late summer. With its sunny climate, irrigation opportunities, and fertile alluvial plains, Mersin offers ideal conditions for cotton cultivation.
A center of commerce, culture and life intertwined with the sea
These lands, where agriculture, settled life, and the earliest forms of trade took root, have for centuries been a meeting point of different civilizations. The region, which was ruled by many civilizations from the Hittites, Assyrians, and Persians to the Hellenistic kingdoms, was known in antiquity as “Cilicia” and, thanks to its geographical location, was able to maintain close interaction with both Eastern and Western civilizations. Throughout the Middle Ages, Mersin remained under Byzantine, Seljuk, and Mamluk rule, entering a new era in the 15th century when it became part of Ottoman territory. During the Ottoman period, the city became the heart of commerce thanks to its port and, especially from the mid-19th century onward, gained prominence for its cotton exports. The construction of the railway during this period further boosted Mersin’s economic vitality by connecting it with the inland regions and with Adana. During World War I, Mersin experienced brief occupations, but following the War of Independence and the proclamation of the Republic, it was reshaped once again. Granted provincial status in 1924, the city became one of modern Türkiye’s gateways to the Mediterranean. Today, just as throughout its history, Mersin continues to stand at the center of commerce, culture, and a life intertwined with the sea.
The symbol of the city: Maiden’s Castle
Hosting numerous areas of unique beauty, from ancient cities to highlands, and from coastal towns to hidden coves, Mersin is one of Türkiye’s richest cities in terms of both cultural and nature tourism. At the top of these must-see attractions is Maiden’s Castle, which has become the symbol of the city. Located in Silifke, the castle sits right in the middle of the sea. About 600 meters from the shore, it is accessible by boat. The castle, which offers visitors the most beautiful views of the sunset, also contains many historical structures within its walls.
The Cennet and Cehennem Sinkholes, considered sacred in antiquity
The Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) sinkholes are located 25 kilometers from the city center. These depressions were formed when underground waters, over millions of years, dissolved the limestone layers and caused the collapse of the hollowed-out ceilings. In ancient times, they were regarded as sacred. Inside the Cennet sinkhole stands the Virgin Mary Church, which is believed to have been built around the 5th century AD. A four-line inscription above the church’s entrance indicates that it was commissioned in the name of the Virgin Mary by a devout man named Paulus.
Soli-Pompeiopolis Ancient City
The Soli-Pompeiopolis Ancient City highlights the city’s role as a port during the Roman period. Today, archaeological excavations continue at the site, where 33 columns still stand. Of these, 4 belong to the western row and 29 to the eastern row, and some of the Corinthian-style column capitals feature decorative figures.
The city’s most striking stop: Adamkayalar
Located in Mersin’s Silifke district, Adamkayalar is one of the city’s most impressive stops, both for its mysterious history and its captivating natural setting. This ancient monument site, carved into the steep cliffs of the Şeytan Creek Canyon, draws attention with a history dating back to the Roman period. Carved into the rocks around two thousand years ago are 11 male figures, 4 female figures, 2 children, as well as depictions of a Roman eagle and a mountain goat, providing insights into the social life of that era.
What to buy from Mersin?
Mersin offers a wide range of shopping options with its local products. Cezerye, which has become a symbol of the city, is among the most preferred souvenirs for both locals and visitors. This sweet, made from carrots, is usually sold in varieties with pistachios or walnuts. Additionally, jams made from citrus fruits, olive oil, citrus colognes, and handwoven rugs are commonly found in Mersin’s markets. Goat cheese and local olive varieties, especially produced around Tarsus and Silifke, are popular both as food and as gifts. The city’s bazaars are ideal stops for those wishing to take home souvenirs featuring traditional handicrafts and local flavors.
A gastronomy city distinguished by both local flavors and seafood
Reflecting the richness of Mediterranean cuisine, Mersin is a gastronomy city known for both its local specialties and seafood. Among the first flavors that visitors taste is tantuni, Mersin’s registered product. This dish, made from thinly sliced meat cooked on a griddle and served in flatbread or bread, has become the city’s most famous symbol. In addition, meat hummus, cezerye, liver kebabs, kerebiç dessert, and batırık are among the standout flavors of Mersin’s cuisine. Along the coastline, seafood such as fresh fish and shrimp is also widely enjoyed. Local restaurants in the city center serve traditional dishes at reasonable prices, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
