Caves in Adiyaman

Caves
Göksu Caves: Across the Göksu river are natural caves on a 40 - 50 meter high precipitous rocks. Caves are concentrated around Kızılin and Sarıkaya villages on Besni side, Gümüş Kaya and Mal Pınarı on Adıyaman side.Palanlı Cave: Placed in Palanlı village, 10 kilometres west of Adıyaman, on Adıyaman - Çelikhan - Malatya Highway. It is a natural cave that was used in 40.000 BC. On the wall of the cave a deer motive, which is made by simple counter lines, is still noticeable.Especially the deep valley where the cave takes place is a unique part of nature.Kitap (Book) Cave: In Book Cave are settlement units having two floors built through carving the rocks.They are named as (iron castle 1) and known to be used by the people of Early Christian Period. Caves can be reached on foot from İndere village (Zey).Gümüşkaya (Palaş) Caves: Located at 40 kilometres south-west of Adıyaman, at the west of Göksu river and the village (named by the river). There are various caves on the rocks connected to each other with tunnels. They were known to be used as a residence and thought to be built in 150 B.C. These caves had balconies, divisional rooms, wells, yet the entrances are of one person width.

rock tombs in Adiyaman

Rock Tombs
Haydaran Rock Tombs: Located 17 kilometres from Adıyaman, in Taşgedik village. There are rock tombs and embossed relief of God of Sun Hellias shaking hands with King Antiochos .Turuş Rock Tombs: Turuş Rock Tombs dated at Roman Period are placed 40 kilometres from Adıyaman city centre and one kilometre west of Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway. Since the tombs were built through engraving the main rock from the surface to the underground, one can reach the entrance of the tombs through 10-13 steps. In some tombs there are various figures embossed on the walls and entrences of gates.Dolmen's: There are Dolmen type tombs at the rocky places in the west of the Obelisk, near Hozişi village. These tombs were erected through stacking two huge rocks resebling a raft.These tombs were thought to be remainig from Stone Age.Zey: Located 7 kilometres to Adıyaman, near Zey village. Zey consists of settlement units used by the people of Early Christian Period. Moreover, in the village tomb of Sheikh Abdurrahman Erzincani and a mosque take place.

Bridges of Adiyaman

Bridges

Cendere Bridge: It is located at the north-east of Karakuş Tumulus , 55 kilometres from Adıyaman. Cendere Bridge consists of a big arch built with 92 large shattered stones on two main rocks at the most narrow place of Kahta river and a secondary arch at the east side of the bridge.

The columns of the bridge were constructed with elasticity to make the bridge resistable to the earthquakes. Below this bridge placed another bridge that has 5 arches and was built at Commagene Antiochos Theos Period.However, it was destroyed by the Romans.

Göksu - Kızılin Bridge: The bridge dated back to Roman period, was built on a rocky place between Gümüşkaya and Ağcin villages. Except for the middle arch the bridge in general is in good condition.

Golden Bridge: Bridge has a big arch and tree other arches getting smaller each after another. The stones of the Bridge were put together with compress method without using a plaster. There are 63 lines of stone at the west side and 70 lines of stone at east side of the arch. In total nineteen line of stones were used.

Mound Tumulus and Monuments

Karakuş Tumulus (Women's Monument Tomb): Located at Adıyaman-Kahta enterance in south-west of the National Park ,the Monumental Tomb was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II and was dedicated to his mother Isas. Because of the symbol of eagle on the top of the columns, it was named as Karakuş(black bird) Tumulus. There were four columns in each east, west and south directions, however today only two at east, one at west and one at south remain. On the east columns are ruins of lion and eagle statues, on the west columns ,on the other hand, grounds a relief of 'shaking hands' and on the ground remain pieces of lion statue. Karakuş Tumulus determined as the entrance of Mt Nemrut is also located in the National Park. Sofraz Tumulus: 45 km to the city centre and 15 km to Besni country. Placed at Üçgöz (Sofraz) village. The Tomb having 15 m height was covered by shattered stones and debris. Sesönk (Obelisk): The Monumental tomb is located at 33 km south-east of Besni district and was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II on Kızıldağ Mountain.The tomb was surrounded by 3 columns, each having 10 meters height. On these columns are embossed figures of women, men and lions . Karadağ Tumulus: 5 km from Adıyaman ,Karadağ Tumulus lies on the slope of Karadağ Mountain . It has a rock tomb consisting of two sections. Beştepeler: 25 km from Adıyaman, inside the Ilıcak village borders are 6 tumulus tombs that are covered by hoarded stones. It is estimated that these tombs were built for royal family members of Commagene Kingdom . Malpınarı Rock Inscription: Located approximately 35 kilometres from Adıyaman at the Malpınar locality. There is a hieroglyph inscription engraved on natural rock and settlements carved on rocks, which are all dated to the late Hittite Period.

Don't Leave Without Adiyaman

Don't Leave Without

- Watching sunrise and sunset from Nemrut mountain,

- Seeing the remains of Commagene Civilisation ,

- Tasting fish in fish restaurants of Kahta at the shore of Atatürk Dam,

- Visiting Adıyaman Museum,

- Buying local hand woven carpets, rugs, cicim, saddle bag and offcourse Nemrut statues

Adiyaman Religion Tourism

Nemrut (Kahta): It is 103 km east from Adıyaman. It was formed with accumulation of crushed rocks on a main rock of tumulus. Terraces are formed with smoothing the main rock at east, west and north of the tumulus;moreover, god statues and relieves are arranged in colossal Greko - Persia style at east and west terraces.

Arsemia: It is 63 kilometers from Adıyaman, on the east bank of Kahta stream. There are relieved illustration of Mitras on ceremonial road at south, and a rock depicitng Antiochos - Heracles greeting on ceremony platform and before this the biggest inscription of Anatolia an epitaph in the language of ancient Greece.

Mount Nemrut

At the junction of the East and West civilisations, Nemrut Dagi (Mount Nemrut) is one of the most astounding sites in Turkey: A collection of colossal statues on a remote mountain 2150m high, adorning the temple and tomb of King Antiochus. It was unknown until 1881 when an Ottoman geologist discovered these 10 metre-high stone heads, archaeological work began in 1953 to uncover their history.Nemrut Dağı has since been a significant attraction, with thousands coming at sunrise and sunset to see the stones in the best possible light. It has been designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, and is one of the most important National Parks in the country. In addition to the statues, the entire site includes art from the Commagene civilisation, the Eskikale (Old Castle), Yenikale (New Castle), Karakus Hill and Cendere Bridge. Most people use the nearby towns of Malatya, Kahta or Adıyaman as a base, and the road to the summit is only open from mid-April to mid-October because of heavy snow the rest of the year.

Where to Visit Adiyaman

Ancient Cities
Arsameia Ruins (Nymphaios Arsameia): It is understood from the Inscriptions of King Antiochos I, that Arsameia was built in the first quarter of the Second Century BC, by the order of Arsemez (ancestor of Commagene) at the east of Kahta River, facing the Old Kahta Castle . It was the summer capital and the administrative centre of the Kingdom.On the east ceremony way an embossed relief of Mithradates, above the rite platform , displays Herakles shaking hands with Mithradates. In front of the rite platform is an inscription in Greek known as the biggest inscription found in Anatolia. A tunnel beginning at the front of the inscription deep in to 158 meter and also at the west of the inscription a similar rocky vestibule exists. Tomb temple and Palace of Mithradates Callinichos take place on the platform. Arsameia ruins are 60 km to

Adiyaman New Castle: New Castle is located nearby Kocahisar Village which is 60 km to Adıyaman. New Castle was built by the Commagenes and used together with Arsemeia. Romans and Mamluks restored the Castle and finally in 1970's the castle was partly repaired. In the castle are a bazaar, a Mosque, a dungeon, water canals, ruins of pigeon loft and inscriptions . A water canal flawing from the castle down through to Nymphois was bound to Arsameia by a tunnel. It is still possible to reach the water through the water canal which has an 80 meter length.

Derik Castle: It was built on a hill of 1400 m altitude near the Datgeli village on the Sincik Highway. Estimated to be built by Roman Empire in 70 AC, and used by them till 300 AC, the castle, houses a huge temple and is known as the holy place of the region. Besides, the ruins of Temenos which were built during the period of Commagenes, are placed nearby the castle. Gerger Castle (Arsameia of Euphrates): The castle is located in the west shore of Euphrates (Fırat) , 85 km to Adıyaman's Kahta County, can even be dated to Late Hittite Period. The castle was constructed by Arsames, the ancestor of Commagenes. Being built on precipitous rocks,the Gerger Castle is divided into two sections as the lower castle and upper castle and at the west walls of the castle is an embossed relief of King Samos.In the Castle which is also used during Islamic period are shops, a Mosque and water cisterns.

Perre Antique City: The ruins of Perre Antique City are located 5 kilometres to Adıyaman city centre. The ruins are remained in Pirin Village, include approximately 200 cave tombs and a settlement place. This necropolis and its vicinity dated at Antique Age, was an important settlement place of the Commagene period, however especially during Roman Period it became a developed city. The ruins consist of gates decorated with embossed reliefs and tomb rooms that are engraved in rocks and connected to each other .

Adiyaman

Adiyaman
Area: 7.614 km²
Population: 623.811 (2000)
Traffic Code: 02
Located at the west of Southeastern Anatolia Region, taking ıts stage in history rather early dating back to the existence of first man and hosting various different cultures ,Adıyaman is an important culture and tourism center. Along with this, Adıyaman is known to be one of the oldest settlements on Earth; discoveries from every human phase are found on the region. Adıyaman also fascinates its visitors with the ruins of Mt. Nemrut known as the 8th Wonder of World, the ruins of Commagene, Atatürk Dam ,the fourth biggest dam in the world, Çamgazi Dam, Winter Camping Organisation and finally with the world champion local folk dances.Districts: Besni, Çelikhan, Gerger, Gölbaşı, Kahta, Samsat, Sincık and Tut.

Photograph Gallery of Adana

Adana

Don't Leave Without in Adana

Don't Leave Without - Visiting the Archaeology Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and Ataturk's house centre. - Visiting Ulu Camii, Sabanci Merkez Camii, Bebekli Church, the Stone Bridge over the river Seyhan, and the old house of Adana in Tepebas. - Visiting the ruins of Anavarza, Sar, Misis and the bird sanctuary at Akyatan and Agyatan. - Feasting on Adana kebap and drinking salgam and aslama (a licorice drink). - Browsing around the old bazaar and buying a Karatepe rug. - Watching the historical Festival of Altin Koza.

History of Adana

History Adana, founded on the the Seyhan delta and by the Ceyhan rivers, dates back to 6000 BC. The area has had a long string of rulers, starting with the Luvi Kingdom from 1900 BC (a branch of the Hittites), through a succession of Hittites, Phrygians, Assyrians, Persians, Seluicuds and Byzantines. There was an on-off struggle between the Greeks and Persians, which lasted 1000 years, and ended once the Romans came in the 1st century BC. The city first became an important trade centre under the Romans. Following the age of Islam, which began in 638 AD, there were then the Egyptian Mamelukes, the Ramazanogullari (Turks), and the Ottomans who captured the city in the 16th century.

Thermal Springs Adana

Thermal Springs

The Haruniye Thermal Tourism Centre in Bahce, Acisu Springs near Aladag, Tahtalikoy, Kokarpinar and Kurttepe springs in Ceyhan are known to be beneficial for those suffering from certain illnesses.

Adana

Haruniye Thermal Resort

Location: On the banks of the Ceyhan river, north of Haruniye near Bahce.

Transportation: 22km from Haruniye and around 150km east of Adana.

Water temperature: 33°C

pH value: 6.1

Physical and chemical properties: Contains a mixture of bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide.

Recommended applications: Drinking and bathing

Helps to heal: Effective in treating rheumatism, gynaecological disorders, skin conditions, nervous and eating disorders, liver, gall bladder, stomach and intestinal disorders.

Accommodation: The thermal facility (115 rooms, 150 beds)

Adana Beaches

Beaches

The unique highland beauty of Tekir, Burucek, Aladaglar, Horzum Findikli, Hamidiye, Asar, Asmacik, Armutoluk, Belemedik, Meydan, Camliyayla and Kizildag will appeal to tourists wanting to get back to nature.

Adana Highlands

The Kozan-Horzum Highland and Çulluuşağı Highland Village

Transportation: Horzum highland is located at the 25 km mark and the village of Çulluuşağı is at the 31 km mark on the highway that connects Kozan, Feke, Saimbeyli and Tufanbeyli districts to Kayseri. There is bus and minibus service to this mountain village year-round.

Description: Much frequented by the people living in Kozan, the Horzum highland is a lovely place with pine and sycamore trees, vineyards and fruit orchards. There are many wooden houses which are beautiful examples of highland architecture. Many modern facilities are available including a health clinic.

Pozantı - Tekir Beldesi (Highland)

Transportation: Located on either side of the Adana-Ankara E5 highway, this spacious highland is 7 km from Pozantı, 107 km out of Adana. Transportation is plentiful and available year-round, as many inter-city buses and smaller minibuses operates in this route.

Description: The highlands of Tekir Highland, Bürücek and Eski Konacık are actually individual neighborhoods of the town of Akça Tekir. Located at the middle of abound pine and juniper trees as well as orchards, the highland accommodates the typical highland houses besides various examples of other architectural styles.

Further attractions of the higland are the protected emplacement of the Ottomans and a Reproduction Station of bezoar goats which are taken under protection by the Forestry Service.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: One may choose to camp here;otherwise there are tourist facilities in Pozantı which is 7 km far away.

Pozantı - Armutoğlu Highlands

Transportation: At the Pozantı - Ankara fork on the road to go to east towards Sarmısak Mountain. It is a 13 km drive from here along a road that winds through a forest of pine and fir.

Description: This pristine highland is covered with cedar, fir and juniper trees and in the spring there is a variety of wild flowers. There is an abundant wildlife since it is located at the foot of Sarmısak Mountain. Moreover icy waters of the springs flow creating a marvelous spectacle.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: This highland has no facilities. Anyone who plans to camp out, will need to bring their own tent and other basic necessities.

Aladağ (Karsantı) - Meydan Highland

Transportation: It is 6 km from Aladağ along a gravel road. It is possible to get a taxi or minibus from Aladağ.

Description: At an altitude of 1700 m, the highland is adorned with juniper, pine, fir and cedar trees as well as orchards. There is electricity and telephone services and structures constructed out of wood and rock, which is typical of highland architecture.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: One can set up camp on the edge of the forest. There are also country restaurants, tea houses and a few small markets.

Aladağ Ağcakise - Başpınar - Bici and Kosurga Highlands

Transportation: These mountain villages, which are located very close to each other (3-5 km), can be reached only by a gravel road.

Description: These pristine highland villages are located in the forest within sight of the nearby Zehli Castle.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who would like to camp out should bring their tents and other basic supplies with them.

Karaisalı - Kızıldağ Highlands

Transportation: It is 27 km from Karaisalı. The road is asphalted.

Description: This highland takes its name from nearby Mt. Kızıldağ and is popular among the locals. There are lots of apple, pear, cherry, sour cherry and walnut orchards in the village and the wildlife is quite abundant. It is possible to hike up nearby Kızıldağ as well.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: There are simple tea houses and country restaurants as well as small markets, a bakery, and meat markets.

Feke - İnderesi Village (Highland)

Transportation: It is a 59 km drive from Feke along a gravel road.

Description: This authentic highland village is nestled among vineyards and orchards. Modern facilities are now available and there is a village clinic and a police station. The villagers make 'Yahyalı' type rugs, carpets and woolen socks as souvenirs for visitors.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: There is a small market, a bakery and some country restaurants.

Tufanbeyli - Kürebeli Highland

Transportation: The highland, located 10 km north of Tufanbeyli, can only be accessible by following a gravel road.

Description: This unspoiled mountain highland has a small lake which is used for irrigation.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who want to camp should bring their tents and basic necessities with them.

Pozantı - Fındıklı Köyü (Highland)

Transportation: It is 10 km out on the Pozantı-Çamardı highway and there are minibuses to the highland from Pozantı.

Description: A typical mountain village, it is surrounded with vineyards and gardens. The infrastructure of the village has been improved and currently there is a village clinic in service.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: There are simple restaurants, a tea house and a small market.

Saimbeyli - Çatak Highland

Transportation: Two kilometers out on the Saimbeyli -Tufanbeyli highway, turn left on a gravel road and go 3km. The road passes through orchards and gardens. Minibuses are operating from the Saimbeyli district.

Description: This is a little village with huge sycamore trees watered by the springs which splash down the mountain slopes. Small platforms have been set up in the trees and they make delightful picnic area. The Çatak highland with its rich springs provides all of the water supply of the Saimbeyli district.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: There is a small facility run by the Forestry Service here.

Saimbeyli - Tufanbeyli - Obruk Highland

Transportation: Located 35km out on the either side of the Saimbeyli - Tufanbeyli highway.

Description: Preferred by nomadic shepherds, this highland is totally unspoiled. The fields of wheat and barley are surrounded by wild flowers in the spring and juniper, black pine and cedar trees.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: There are no facilities available. Those who plan on camping should bring their own tents and other basic supplies.

Kozan - Göller Highland

Transportation: It is a 40 km. drive from Kozan on a dirt road. There are minibuses from Kozan in the summer months.

Description: The highland has electricity and telephones. It is surrounded with forests and there are many wildflowers in the spring.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: There is a country tea house, a small market and a restaurant.

Pozantı - Belemedik Highland

Transportation: Take the gravel road to the village of Anbaş from Pozantı (10 km).

Description: This mountain village founded on the banks of Çakıt Creek has many wood and stone houses made in the highland style. The is abundant wildlife here. The mostly commonly seen animals are mountain goats, wild hogs and birds of prey, such as eagles and falcons.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who want to camp should bring their own tents and basic supplies.

Pozantı - Asar Highland

Transportation: This highland village lies 1.5 km northwest of the asphalt highway of Pozantı-Çamardı. There are minibuses from Pozantı as well.

Description: The local highland houses made of wood and stone are surrounded by pine, fir and cedar trees and there are many fruit orchards. The village has electricity as well.

Accommodation - Food and Drink: Those who want to camp should bring their own tents and other basic supplies.

Where to Visit Adana

Ancient Cities

Anavarza Located in Ceyhan near the village of Dilekkaya , 20 km along the Kozan-Kadirli road, the ruins resemble an open-air museum. Anavarza Castle still has traces of Roman and Muslim history, with well-preserved relics including the castle walls, the triumphal arch, numerous columns and two pools decorated with mosaics in front of the guard house.

Sar 20 km northeast of Tufanbeyli, these ruins were the scenes of the most important religious Hittite ceremonies, performed in honour of the Mother Goddess Magda-Mater. In addition, there is a Roman theatre and a Byzantine church besides the 6-metre high Ala Kapi, which is made of marble blocks.

Magarsus An ancient port city, west of the modern town of Karatas, the city of Magarsus has the remains of a theatre, temple, church and baths.

Aegaea (Ayas) This ancient port city between Yumurtalik and Ayas has a three-storey watch tower, Ottoman and Roman baths beside the city walls.

Ulu Mosque and Kulliye (Ramazanoğlu Mosque, Center): It was constructed in 1507 by one of the famous governors of Ramazanoğlu Governorship, Halil Bey.The complex which was perched on a square plan composes of a mosque, theology school, mausoleum (Halil Bey Mausoleum), harem chamber known as the religious foundation of the palace and greeting hall also called as Tuz Inn. Being different from classical Ottoman mosques, Ulu mosque has no excessive vertical massive impact and reflects to the methods of Memluks and Seljukians. The mosque is famous with its colored rock and İznik tile decorations as well as its architecture. On square and hexagon plates,the dominant colors of the adornments of the tiles are turquoise, dark blue and red on a white background, complying with the unique colors of the period, which evokes admiration. Yağ Mosque (Former Mosque, Center): Appanding further structures to Saint Jacques Church, Ramazanoğlu Halil Bey made this anew construction built in 1501. Halil Bey’s son Piri Mehmet Paşa constructed its minaret in 1525, and its theology school in 1558. It is similar to the Seljuk Ulu mosque architecture. Hasanağa Mosque (Center): It is constructed by Hasanağa (Hasan Kethüda) during Piri Mehmet Paşa period in 1558. It is the only sample reflecting the mosque type of the classical era (1501-1703). It is mentioned that its plan is drawn by Mimar Sinan. Hoşkadem Mosque (Kozan): It is understood from its inscription that it was constructed by Memluk Governor, Abdullah Hoşkadem in 1448. The mosque with a huge structure has rectangular plan. Kurtkulağı Mosque (Ceyhan - Kurtkulağı Mosque): It is constructed by a philanthropic, known as Haydar Ağa in 1601. It was repaired in 1659 by Mimar Mehmet Ağa, and a part of the wall that encircle the courtyard was turned into a eyvan (a vaulted room with one side open to a court). It is one of the structures which could reserve a separate place within Turkish Architecture especially with its proportion to main structure and domes of the former minaret.

How to Get Adana

By Road Adana can be reached via the D-400 Highway and the international TEM highway. It is 472 km from Ankara along Aksaray Pozanti; 873 km from Izmir via Afyon, Konya and Eregli; and 909 km from Istanbul via Bolu, Ankara and Aksaray. Located 5 km from the city centre, Adana’s bus station has services to all areas of the country. Regular bus services include Ankara (10 hours), Antalya (12 hours), Allepo in Syria (12 hours), Konya (7 hours), Van (18 hours) and Kayseri (7 hours).

Bus station Tel: (0322) 428 20 47

By Railway Apart from domestic services, there are also international railway connections. There are many trains to Europe, the Middle East, and countries to the north, with connections to the harbours in Mersin and Iskenderun, both of which have ferries. Adana’s railway station is 1 km. from the city centre.

The main domestic routes are a daily service to Ankara (14 hours), several weekly to Gaziantep (3 hours) and several daily to Mersin (1 hour). Railway.

Station Tel: (0322) 453 31 72

By Air There are daily flights to Istanbul and Ankara. International flights include Jedda (twice a week), plus weekly flights to Frankfurt-Dusseldorf, Munich via Ankara, and Koln via Istanbul (once a week). The airport is 3.5 km from the city centre and has a 140-vehicle parking lot.

Airport Tel: (0322) 435 42 01

Turkish Airlines: (0322) 435 91 75

The Mediterranean Region

South of the majestic Taurus Mountains lie on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea with its beaches of fine sand, vistas of rare and rugged beauty, many ancient ruins, hidden coves and alluring vacation getaways. The region is bathed in sunshine 300 days ayear, and is a paradise for swimming, sunbathing and watersports. You can also explore important historical sites dating back thousands of years, set in a landscape of pine forests and citrus groves and learn about the mythology that is intertwinedwith the area.The Mediterranean coast is as full of antique artefacts as the Aegean. In the ancient Lycian region, west of Antalya, you can experience the beauty of the mountain cities of Termessos and Arikand, as well as the coastal towns such as Olimpos, Kale,Kekova and Kas. The ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side are located on the coastal plane east of Antalya, originally called Pamphylia.

Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most important cities and is Turkey's hottest vacation spot, with the beaches of Konyaalti to the west and Lara to the east, lying at the foot of Antalya's massive mountain range. It is an attractive holidaygetaway with palm-lined streets, beautiful parks, an abundance of accommodation, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and a picturesque marina. The symbol of this city, founded in the 2nd century BC, is the Yivli Minaret, which dates back to the Seljukera. The Asagi Duden Waterfall to the east flows over huge boulders into the sea. West of Antalya is the attractive little holiday town of Kemer, famous for its sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests and mountains.The next big town east of Antalya is Alanya, a panoramic port city on the southern slopes of the majestic Taurus Mountains surrounded by orange, lemon and banana groves. Used by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat as a winter residence, Alanya’sshipyard dates back to the same era and was one of the most advanced in the world at that time. It is also famous for its 9th century castle and its popular beaches.Near Anamur is a castle from the Middle Ages, situated between two beaches and one of the most spectacular castles along the coast. The road from Anamur to Silifke, with its endless curves and bends, follows a route studded with breathtaking coastalvistas.The dilapidated caves near Narlikuyu are called Heaven, which has a small church inside, heaven and Hell (Cennet ve Cehennem). The castle of Kizkalesi, which is situated in the water across from the medieval castle of Korykos, seems to rise out of the seaitself.

Two surprises on the road to Mersin, are the ancient Roman cities of Kanlidivane and Viransehir. With its charming parks, beach promenades, commercial port and free trade zone, Mersin is one of the most modern cities on the Mediterranean.East of Tosos, the Cukurova plane is a fertile agricultural region known especially for its cotton fields. In the middle is the city of Adana with its rich textile industry, and to the east is the Dortyol (Issos) Plane, where Alexander the Greatdefeated the Persian king Darius. As a result of his victory, a port city bearing his name was established which is now the modern day Iskenderun.The road leaves Iskenderun on the southeast and goes through the Belen Pass to Antakya (Antioch). This first Christian community founded by Saint Peter has given Antakya a special religious significance, and the first sermons were preached in nearbycave. It is considered a place of pilgrimage, and the city also boasts a mosaic exhibition of rare beauty in its museum.Kahramanmaras is a relatively undiscovered province of the Mediterranean. One of its best-loved features is the cuisine, which has its own specialities like its special orchid drink (salep) and its world famous ice-cream made from goat and cows’ milk.The historical legacy of Kahramanmaras in the Ottoman Empire is still relevant today with its gilded silver, leather and copper works.

The Aegean Region

Many would agree that the coastal region of the Aegean has some of the most stunning views in the country and, in the words of Heredotus, "have the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world." The bays peninsulas, and golden beaches stretchthe length of coastline and this region was also the venue of countless mythological events. There are remains of ancient cities including Troy, immortalised by Homer, and Pergamum, the art and cultural centre and capital of one of the most powerfulkingdoms at the time.

The provinces in the Aegean region are Afyon, Aydin, Denizli, Izmir, Kutahya, Manisa, Mugla and Usak.Situated in Edremit bay is Ayvalik, the meeting point of the sea, the theraputic springs of Akcay, and pine forests, which has been dubbed the olive-grove Riviera. To the south are countless resorts, then further south is Foca, famous for the heroicTurkish sailors who were based here. Sardis, the capital of the wealthy Lydian king Croesus, is a small detour inland.Located in a narrow bay, Izmir is a modern city and the third largest in Turkey, as well as the major part on the Aegean. It brims with life and is a busy commercial centre, with broad boulevards and modern architecture, combined with the traditionalred-tiled roofs of the old houses in the bazaar area. The peninsula of Çesme with its brilliant waters, superb beaches and thermal springs, lies to the west of Izmir.Among the most famous cities of the ancient world, Ephesus was one of the biggest during the Roman era. A treasury of all the riches of Ionian culture, Ephesus had a reputation for philosophy and critical thinking. The Temple of Artemis, one of theseven wonders of the ancient world, as well as countless statues, theatres, libraries, markets and smaller temples were all architectural symbols of the city's fame. Further to the south is the ancient city of Priene, built according to a geometricplan designed by the great architect of Milet, Hippodamos.

Milet was a great centre of commerce and thought in the ancient world, and was the venue of many significant developments, scientific and intellectual. The nearby Didim, though not one of theancient cities, is still famous for its magnificent temple dedicated to Apollo.On the Izmir-Antalya road, Aphrodisias (Geyre) was an important centre for culture and art famous for its training in sculpture. On the same road is the world-famous Pamukkale, with its calcium-rich thermal waters flowing out of the mountain whichhave, over centuries, created an extraordinary geographical phenomenon of white marble terraces. The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis lie behind this.The best known holiday resorts in this area are Bodrum, Marmaris, Datca, Koycegiz and Fethiye, and private boats can be chartered to explore the bays of the south Aegean, immortalised in the book Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage). Bodrum (ancient Halikarnas)is the birthplace of the great historian Heredotus. The mausoleum of King Mausolos was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Marmaris is a lively resort with a modern marina surrounded by lush mountains and crystal-clear waters,and further south is the bay of Oludeniz, famous for watersports and paragliding, and the coastal town of Fethiye.