The history of the Mersin region (Cilicia province) begins in the 7th millennium BC. e. In the 2nd millennium BC. e. The province was part of the Hittite kingdom called Cilicia. In 102 BC. e. Cilicia was conquered by Rome. From 84 BC e. was part of the Armenian Empire of Tigran the Great. In the Middle Ages it was the object of struggle between Byzantium, Arabs and Seljuks. From 1080 to 1375, the Cilician Armenian state existed in Cilicia, which was later captured by the Mamluks. In 1515 it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks.
Ancient writers praised the fertility of the Cilician Plain, which produced grapes, sesame seeds, millet, wheat and barley in abundance. The goats of Cilicia were also famous - probably of the same breed as the Angora. The province produced a lot of saffron, good raisin wine, the best hyssop, and pomegranate apples. Currently, Mersin is the main agricultural region of Turkey.
It has one of the greatest historical heritages in the world. The Mersin region has hundreds of fortresses, palaces, temples, aqueducts, bas-reliefs, amphitheaters, baths, thousands of dwellings, tombs, and burials. Most architectural monuments remain virtually undestroyed for centuries.
Here you can see the ruins of the ancient cities of Pompeipolis, Tarsos (a large city compared to Babylon), Neopolis (at one time it was a city with a million population, on a par with Athens and Rome), Krikos, Kylindria, Seleucia and Anemurion; Cleopatra's Gate (where Cleopatra met Mark Antony); fortresses of Anamur, Meydanjik, Kyz, Mut, Silifke; Alahan Monastery, Hogya Tekla Basilica; settlements of Uzundzhaburch, Akkale, Gozlyukule; Tarsus Mosque, Lal Agha Mosque; Museums of mosaics from the cities of Erdemli, Silifki, Tarsus and Narlikuyu, as well as the legendary mosaic “The Three Graces”.
Other ancient shrines. Monastor Alakhan is a touch on the Byzantine heritage.
Surrounded by the picturesque mountains, as if frozen in time, is the Alakhan monastery, founded by the first Christians in the 5th century. This monument, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, opens its doors for everyone for free. Although time did not spare its walls, the preserved church and the ruins of tombs and hamam allow you to feel the spirit of early Christianity. You can learn more about the history and architecture of the monastery on our website by link .
The Orthodox Church of Mikhail and Gabriel Archangels is an oasis of faith in the heart of Mersin.
In the heart of Mersin, among the noisy streets and modern buildings, there is an oasis of silence and prayer - the Orthodox Church of Mikhail and Gabriel Archangels. Built in 1870, he witnessed the complex and multifaceted history of the city. Convenient benches, free candles and a box for voluntary donations create an atmosphere of hospitality. Of particular interest is the history of the bell tower: the initial design was demolished, and the one we see today was built later.
Other shrines Mersin:
- Basilica No. 1 (V-IV century BC): The mysterious shrine found next to the Church of Dagpazars, whose purpose remains a mystery to historians.
- Church of Dagpazars (IV century AD): Monument of the Architecture of the Late Roman period, located in the Mut area.
- The Italian Catholic Church (1853-1898): built with the permission of the Sultan Abdulmadzhita, the church reflects the multinational character of Mersin.
- The Mosque of St. Sophia (1102): Initially, the Christian Church, possibly dedicated to St. Paul or St. Sophia, today is the current mosque.
- The Church in the destroyed temple of Zeus (Selifka): a unique monument erected on the ruins of the ancient temple of Zeus, symbolizing the change of eras and religions. The traffic in the holy places of Mersin is not only acquaintance with architectural masterpieces, but also the opportunity to touch the spirituality and history of this amazing region.
It will take several months to examine all the architectural monuments in Mersin. The main architectural monuments are indicated by brown road signs. There are guidebooks in Turkish, English and German.
