Türkiye uncovers natural wonders and ancient heritage of Mersin

The Mersin region offers a stunning blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage in the heart of southern Türkiye. 

Mersin, located along the Mediterranean coast, is a crucial stopover for migrating birds and a significant spiritual centre in Anatolia. In this episode of Explore, journalist Cinzia Rizzi takes viewers on a journey through Mersin, beginning in Tarsus, one of the world’s oldest towns and the birthplace of Saint Paul, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Located about 80 km west of Mersin, Silifke is home to some remarkable natural formations. Cinzia visits two impressive sinkholes, named Cennet (Heaven) and Cehennem (Hell), which extend 70 metres and 128 metres deep, respectively.

These sinkholes were created thousands of years ago through chemical erosion, when an underground stream caused the cave ceilings to collapse. The Heaven sinkhole is easily accessible via 450 steps leading down into its depths, while the Hell sinkhole requires climbing equipment or can be viewed from a glass observation platform. The region’s natural wonders don’t stop there. 

Cinzia’s journey also takes her to the Göksu Delta, a 15,000 sq km basin where the Göksu River flows into the Mediterranean. This wild, windy wetland is one of Türkiye's 18 Special Environmental Protection Areas and serves as a stopover for around 350 bird species migrating across the Levant. For birdwatching enthusiasts, this is a must-visit destination.

By Naila Huseynova