
Implemented by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with Mersin Governorship, Cilicia Road Protection and Sustenance Association and Mersin Zirve Mountaineering Specialized Sports Club 'Historical Cilicia Road Project' This time, it brought together nature and history lovers in the 3rd stage, which extends from the Lamos Ancient City to the Gökler Creek.
Under the coordination of the Department of Youth and Sports Services “Let's Walk Towards History, Nature and Culture, Friends” The walk, which was held with the slogan, offered participants a unique 7,5-kilometer route. This stage, which is considered easier than other courses, allowed the walkers to breathe both physically and spiritually. The participants, who traveled between olive groves and thyme-scented paths that stretched out one after the other, were amazed by the landscapes and natural beauties they encountered. On the one hand, the participants witnessed the ruins of historical Lamos, and on the other hand, they found peace in the serene nature of Gökler Creek.
The walkers, who proceeded with the sounds of birds, had a unique experience among the coolness of the valleys and the hidden beauties of the Taurus Mountains. Thanks to the event that brought together different age groups, the participants not only walked but also made new friends and had the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and breathe.
Gündeş: “Mersin is a unique city with its historical textures and natural beauties”
Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Advisor Bedrettin Gündeş said that Mersin is one of the unique cities of Türkiye with its historical texture and natural beauties. “There is also a Cilicia Road that connects these historical textures and natural beauties, which the people of Mersin do not know very well and are not aware of. It is a route of 4 kilometers in total, with 38 separate stages and 550 courses, extending from North to South and East to West. We are organizing a very nice event here with nature lovers.” dedicate.
“The 'Historical Cilicia Road Project' is a very nice project that will grow and develop even more.”
Gündeş noted that this was his first time attending such an event and that there was a high level of participation in the event. “Everyone here is very happy and content. After seeing these natural beauties and after this event becomes more popular with the public, I think everyone will come here on the weekend. This project will grow and develop even more. The historical Cilicia Road project will be a much more beautiful route with stages and lanes. People have to walk for their own health and life. I think it is a very beautiful project. I invite everyone to participate in this event. We were very happy and enjoyed this walk very much.” used expressions.
Demir: “We walked through one of the most beautiful stages in the Cilicia project”
Ali Rıza Demir, the President of Mersin Zirve Mountaineering Specialized Sports Club and Cilicia Road Protection and Sustenance Association, said that interest in the project is increasing day by day, “We carried out the 3rd of the introduction walks of the Historical Cilicia Road Project between Gökler Creek and Sarıaydın neighborhood. We also walked the most beautiful part of the Lamos Creek stream. Lamos is a canyon of ours from ancient times. It is one of the places visited by many nature lovers, especially in the summer. Since it is summer, we especially chose a watery route. 5 years ago, these days were a dream, and 5 years later, maybe we will have a lot left.” He said. Stating that their expectations from the project were very high and that this would greatly benefit tradesmen and citizens in the rural neighborhoods along the route, Demir concluded his speech by thanking Mayor Vahap Seçer, who made great contributions to the implementation of the project.
Participants were fascinated by ancient history and natural beauty
Anna Dalgova, one of the participants who had previously completed the other two stages, “I had previously read a book about the Cilician Way. I was very happy to walk this way. Now I know the history and I am waiting for everyone. The landscapes were very beautiful and the people were very warm.” dedicate.
Another participant, Hüseyin Erdem, said that Mersin is a unique city with its history, geography and cultural beauties, “The value of this city should be known more. This project initiated by the Metropolitan Municipality is a great success and gain for our country. By making it available for tourism, it will also have an impact on the concentration of tourism in Mersin. Just as there are walking routes in other places, these will also come to the fore with this project.” used expressions.
“Every corner of Mersin is a hidden paradise”
Abuzer Kiraz, one of the nature enthusiasts, said that he participated in all the promotional walks of the Historical Cilicia Road Project and that the first stage was more challenging than the other routes. “In the second stage, Kızılgeçit, there were incredible mountains, caves, ruins, watermills, churches. In the first stage, we walked through the history of Ancient Rome. In this stage, we walked among valleys, juniper, cedar, fir trees. All of them are incredible natural wonders. Every corner of Mersin is a hidden paradise.” Kiraz said that he had more than one surgery on his back after the accident, but that these walks were very good for him. “After these walks, I feel like I am reborn and looking at life. Most importantly, it takes me away from the stress of the city. I become myself here and I am alone with nature, I integrate with it. I consider it a deficiency to be in Mersin and not see these places.” He thanked the Metropolitan Municipality for implementing the project.
Sevda Özbek stated that she was very curious about the historical Cilicia Way and that is why she participated in all the walks. “We collect memories from every place we come to and leave. In this way, it was a beautiful walk among nature and historical textures. Mersin's past is very much but not very well known. Thanks to these projects, we will learn about these and teach them to everyone. We learn about what was done on the Cilicia Road from Tarsus to Anamur. These are very valuable topics.” she said.