Mersin
Mersin (Greek:Μερσίνη) is the capital city of Mersin Province, in Turkey. It is located in the South Anatolia Region, to the southeast of the country, south of the Taurus Mountains, by the Mediterranean coast.
History
Since Mersin has always been a port city through history, the area was inhabited since 7th century BC, and was in the interest of many states and civilizations such as Greeks, Byzantines,Arabs, Egyptian Tulunids, Seljuk Turks, Mongols, Crusaders, Armenians, Mamluks, Anatolian beyliks and finally Ottomans.
The Greek geographer Strabo (Gr. Στράβων), from Amasya in Pontus refered to the region as Cilicia which was divided into Rugged Cilicia (Cilicia Trachea-Κιλικία Τραχεία) and Flat Cilicia (Cilicia Pedias-Κιλικία Πεδιάς). As both Cilicias' capital was Tarsus (Gr. Ταρσός) to which the Cilician Gates opened to, Mersin was the major port of the region being close to Tarsus. When Constantinople became the trade center, investments and tradesmen also shifted there, causing Mersin to lose its shine.
During the American Civil War, the region became a major supplier of cotton to make up for the high demand due to shortage. Railroads were extended to Mersin in 1866 from where cotton was exported by sea. The city developed into a major port and trade center later on.
The city was conquered by Ottomans in 1473 until 1918 when occupied by French and British troops in accord with the Treaty of Sevrès. It was liberated by the Turkish army in 1920. In 1924, Mersin was made a province, and in 1933, Mersin and İçel provinces were joined to form the greater Mersin (İçel) province.
Economy
Mersin port is the major source of economic livelihood. There are 23 piers in the docks built in a total port area of 786,000 m² (194 acres), with a total capacity of 3,800 ships per year.
Also located adjacent to the port is Mersin Free Zone established in 1986 where warehouses, social services, manufacturing, trade, banking, insurance, packing-repacking, labeling, maintenance, assembly-disassembly, engineering, leasing, renting and exhibition facilities are situated. The zone territory is publicly owned and the zone is a center for foreign investors with proximity to major international markets (Middle East, North Africa, East and West Europe, Russian Federation and Central Asian Republics). The Mersin Free Zone is the first free zone established in Turkey. The trading volume of the free zone was USD 1.6 billion in 2002.
Transportation to the city is possible through alternative methods. The city has highway connections to all provinces, also is connected to the southern railroad hub. Transportation by sea is also possible through the Mersin Port to more than 100 international ports. The international Adana airport is at a distance of 69 km (43 miles).
60% of the male population and 16% of the female population is employed. Unemployment is about 22.7%.
Highlights
The ancient Roman town of Soloi-Pompeiopolis is located near Mersin. Another ancient city of Elaiussa Sebaste is 55 km far from Mersin.
Culture
- Because the city received many immigrants from nearby regions, the local culture is a medley of civilizations.
- The city hosts the State Opera and Ballet Institution, the fourth after Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara..
- Mersin International Music Festival was established in 2001, and it is one of the major cultural events of the province. The festival takes place in October, every year.
Statistics and administration
There are 26 lesser municipalities subordinate to the greater municipality of Mersin (İçel). There are 67 villages and 133 districts. The total population of the city is 733,066 (2000 census). About 50% of the population is younger than 24 years of age. 68% of the population was born in Mersin. The literacy rate is 89%. About 43% of the male population and about 27% of the female population has graduated from middle school. Infant mortality rate is 0.48%. Urban population increase rate is 2.42%. Population density is 414.