The first phase of the multi-stage ‘Cilicia Road’ project, which is important for promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Mersin, has been completed.
The route showcases Mersin’s rich archaeological and natural heritage while offering trails suitable for diverse outdoor and sporting activities, including running, endurance events, cycling, motorcycling, and even off-road competitions on certain sections.
Approximately 550 km long, the Cilicia Road has been defined under four headings, ‘for now,’ and the marking work has been completed. Starting from Tarsus, the route draws a curve north of Mersin, reaches the sea at Silifke, and extends westward parallel to the sea. The stages of the route are as follows:
- Silk Road Route between Tarsus and Gülek
- Taurus Route between Gülek and Güzeloluk
- Olba Route between Güzeloluk and Silifke
- Aphrodite Route between Silifke and Cilicia Aphrodisias (Yeşilovacık)
These stages are named after Mersin's historical values. Thirty-eight different paths have been determined within the four stages. The paths vary in length from 7 to 27 km and can be chosen for one or several days.
The Cilicia Road also passes through or near modern-day villages. Each village can serve as a potential campsite, and camping nearby is possible. This allows visitors to shop at local stores and provides extra income for residents. Over time, this cycle is expected to become more efficient. In this way, it can be shown that cultural and natural heritage can generate income, and awareness of the need to protect them will grow.
A key feature of the Cilicia Road project is its potential to support diverse forms of tourism. Each archaeological site along the route holds significant value on its own, yet the project’s inclusive design links these historical treasures into a unified experience. In doing so, the Cilicia Road both benefits from these sites and actively promotes their visibility and appreciation.
As a result, this project has been implemented to promote Mersin and generate new sources of income for its residents by integrating cultural, nature, and sports tourism. Unlike projects focused on a single location or a specific audience, it encompasses all the villages along the route—reaching a broad population and creating a strong multiplier effect across the region. Therefore, this project can be defined as an important infrastructure initiative not only for Mersin but also for Turkish tourism.
The Cilicia Road Project was finalized in five years under the leadership of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, with the support of Mersin Zirve Mountaineering Sports Club.