Mersin Metropolitan Municipality has implemented a project to transfer the city's rich historical and cultural heritage to future generations. Historic Cilicia Road Project It offers a unique experience to nature and history lovers. It covers the ancient Cilicia geography and extends from Tarsus to Yeşilovacık. 550 Mileage This impressive route promises visitors a journey through time spanning thousands of years. The project, which was recently introduced with the participation of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer, aims to increase Mersin's cultural and touristic potential by offering the opportunity to take unforgettable walks in the unique atmosphere of ancient settlements.
Journey to the Past in the Footsteps of History
The Historical Cilicia Road Project, which builds a bridge between the past and the present by following the migration routes of the Yoruks on stone-paved caravan roads, aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of Mersin both nationally and internationally. The project will be passed on to future generations as an important symbol of the city's cultural identity. In total 38 stages the walking route formed, With the stages of Silk Road, Taurus Mountains, Olba and Aphrodite It was shaped in 4 main sections. The route, equipped with direction and information signs at international standards, has great potential in terms of nature and sports tourism. The project has become one of the cornerstones of Mersin's sustainable development vision.
Türkiye's Important Investment in Culture and Tourism
The Historical Cilicia Road Project stands out as one of the most qualified infrastructure investments in the field of culture and tourism, not only in Mersin but also in Türkiye. The historical Cilicia geography, which includes the ancient Alanya-Iskenderun route, is being carried into the future as a new destination where nature, history, culture and sports are intertwined thanks to this project. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to Türkiye's tourism diversity and add vitality to the regional economy.
Architects and Objectives of the Project
Eylem Eren, Director of Tourism and Promotion Branch of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Culture and Social Affairs Department, states that the Historical Cilicia Road Project was implemented by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with Mersin Governorship and Cilicia Road Revival Association. Eren explains the main purpose of the project as “to promote the social and cultural richness of our province through nature and sports tourism and thus to enable both domestic and foreign guests to benefit from these values.”
Cilicia's Ancient Heritage and Hiking Routes
Cilicia is the name given to the region in ancient times. Within the scope of the project, a walking route consisting of 4 main routes and 38 trails was created, starting from Tarsus Sağlık in the Cilicia region and ending with Cilicia Aphrodisias. The project, which has a total length of 550 kilometers, includes the Silk Road, Toros Mountains, Olba and Aphrodite routes. These routes offer trails of different difficulty levels and lengths, appealing to hikers of all levels.
Guidance and Information
To help visitors easily find their way along the historical Cilicia Road 500 location and direction signs placed. In addition, 15 large totem information boards There are two of them. One of them is in the Marina and the other one is in the Forum. In order for people to walk around the area safely without getting lost, there are also directional signs in red and white that comply with international standards.
Features of the Tracks and Virtual Tour Opportunity
Those who want to examine all routes with track lengths ranging from 7 to 27 kilometers, kilikyayolu.mersin.bel.tr They can visit the address. On this website, you can get detailed information about the features, lengths, difficulty levels, historical importance of all the trails. At the same time, it is possible to examine the trails without going there via virtual tour. By getting virtual tour support during the walk, you can explore the trails safely and without getting lost.
Hidden Treasures of Mersin
Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Culture and Social Affairs Department Historical Cilicia Road Project Coordinator Ahmet Tarakçı states that the project was initiated when Mayor Vahap Seçer said, “This is a very valuable project, let’s implement it” and was implemented with approximately 5,5 years of work. Tarakçı says, “Our Mersin is truly an open-air museum. This project was implemented to promote this beauty. There are historical ruins that will highlight the beauty of Mersin, natural beauties, the magnificence of the mountains, the beauty of the villages, magnificent routes where the altitude drops from 2000-2350 to zero, such as the Aphrodisias region. You pass through 5 major canyons on the line: Kenzin Pass, Hell Creek, Şeytan Creek, Kubat Canyon and Değnek Canyon.”
Unknown History and Natural Beauties of Mersin
Stating that those walking on the historical Cilicia Road will pass through many historical places that even the people of Mersin have not seen or known, Tarakçı said, “Those walking will pass through nearly 9 castles, but if they head to nearby places, it is possible to see approximately 15 castles. There are also places to walk in winter and summer within the 38 stages. Especially on the caravan and migration routes in the Taurus Mountains region, you can walk from May to December. Then you will enter the winter season, so you need to walk with equipment. There are signs at international standards. If you cannot see the signs, you will be able to see where you are going with a photo of the location with 200-degree shots taken every 360 meters with the application on your phone. There is no surprise in the area that the walker will have any doubts about.”
Economic and Touristic Contributions of the Project
Tarakçı, who emphasized that it is a project that will contribute to the promotion of Mersin, the local economy and tourism, said, “We believe that the project will create a lot of buzz. There is the Lycian Way, the Carian Way, the Hittite Way, but I can say that our way is much richer in terms of history and much better in terms of visuals than the other mentioned lines.” The project is expected to increase Mersin’s tourism revenues, attract new investors to the region and create employment.
Unique Trails of the Cilicia Way
The historical Cilicia Road consists of 38 trails, each offering different beauties. Here are some of these trails:
- Tarsus Track: Starting in the historical streets of Tarsus, this route offers a pleasant walk among ancient Roman ruins, churches and mosques.
- Kanlıdivane Track: This walk among the impressive ruins of Kanlıdivane, an ancient settlement, offers the opportunity to delve into the depths of history.
- Uzuncaburç Track: This walk in Uzuncaburç, one of the important centers of the ancient Olba Kingdom, offers the opportunity to explore historical structures such as the ancient theater, temples and monumental tombs.
- Heaven and Hell Caves Route: This walk in the impressive atmosphere of the Heaven and Hell Caves, which are the subject of mythological stories, offers an experience intertwined with nature and history.
- Asthma Cave Track: This walk in the mystical atmosphere of the Asthma Cave, which is said to be good for asthma patients, is interesting in terms of both health and nature tourism.
- Maiden's Castle Track: This walk towards Kızkalesi, located in the middle of the sea, offers both historical and natural beauties together.
- Adamkayalar Track: This walk in Adamkayalar, famous for the human figures carved into the rocks, offers an interesting exploration of the ancient period.
- Köşekbükü Cave Route: This walk in Köşekbükü Cave, which has a fascinating atmosphere with its stalactites and stalagmites, offers the opportunity to see the wonders of nature up close.
- Alahan Monastery Track: This walk in the Alahan Monastery, which has an important place in terms of Christian history, is interesting in terms of both historical and religious tourism.
- Göksu Canyon Track: This walk in the magnificent Göksu Canyon formed by the Göksu River offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
The Future of the Cilician Way
The Historical Cilicia Road Project will not only increase Mersin's tourism potential, but will also make significant contributions to the regional economy. Thanks to the project, the number of tourists coming to Mersin will increase, local businesses' income will increase and new employment opportunities will be created. The Cilicia Road is aimed to become one of Türkiye's most important hiking routes and to be recognized internationally.
