Like so many other cities in Turkey, Mersin has changed its official name. The official name now is İçel, but apparently everybody is sticking with the old name Mersin. Mersin with a population of about 750,000 is the capital of the province of İçel and is a sprawling modern city built half a century ago. It is Anatolia's main port and gateway to the Mediterranean. The port of Mersin is of particular importance to nearby Adana and its rich agricultural hinterland of the Çukurova.
Mersin is a pleasant stopping point along the Mediterranean coast close to Adana, Tarsus and Kızkalesi with a charming city centre along the pedestrianised Atatürk Caddesi, a broad boulevard along the waterfront and a large marina.
We came to Mersin in 2004 and stayed two nights at the Hotel Gökhan at Soğuksu (Cold Water) Caddesi 20 (Tel. +90-(0)324/231 6256). We payed about 17 € for a large, actually huge, single with air-con and TV (forget Lonely Planet's minibar). Close to the hotel are some fish restaurants of which the Balıkçı Yaşar Fish Restaurant serves tasteful portions of small fish. The çiğ köfte sold by an elder man in the adjacent street proved to be not only safe but moreover extremely delicious. Also recommended is the Taşhan Antik Gallerya between Uray Caddesi and Ismet Inönü Caddesi, which is a popular collection of bars and cafes where you can sit outside
Here are the photos of Mersin, click on the thumbnails to see greater pictures
Mersin's Pedestrianised Atatürk - Soğuksu Caddesi
Pedestrianised Mersin City Center
Atatürk - Soğuksu Caddesi
Pedestrianised Atatürk - Soğuksu Caddesi
Impressions of Mersin: Atatürk - Soğuksu Caddesi
City Center
Waterfront Boulevard
Naval Monumnent
Naval Monument
Atatürk Park
Waterfront Promenade
Mersin's Cultural Center and Greek Orthodox Church
Mersin's Port
Mersin's Marina
Marina
Marina
Marina
Picturesque Fish Market of Mersin
Life at Mersin's Fish Market
Scenery at Mersin's Fish Market
Big Fish at Mersin's Fish Market
Balıkçı Yaşar Fish Restaurant
The Taşhan Antik Gallerya
Atatürk Caddesi
View from Hotel Gökhan
Street Life
Tower of the Taksim Hotel
Only 20 € for these handmade costumes
Wild Flowers at the Outskirts of Mersin
Mersinli Ahmet Kireççi (1914-1979) wrestling champion at the Olympics of 1936 (bronze medal) and 1948 (gold medal)
