Discovering the Wonders of Mersin, Turkey

In this captivating episode of Explore, our host Cinzia Rizzi embarks on an adventure through the enchanting Southern Turkish district of Mersin, nestled along the stunning Mediterranean coast. Our journey begins in Tarsus, a town steeped in history and renowned as the birthplace of Saint Paul, making it one of the oldest inhabited places in the world.

Approximately 80 kilometers west of Mersin lies Silifke, where Cinzia encounters some breathtaking natural wonders. Here, she visits two remarkable sinkholes, known as Cennet and Cehennem, translating to Heaven and Hell. These awe-inspiring geological formations plunge down to depths of 70 meters and 128 meters respectively. Formed through the process of chemical erosion thousands of years ago, these sinkholes were created when an underground stream caused the ceilings of ancient caves to collapse, revealing their dramatic interiors.

The Heaven sinkhole is accessible to adventurous visitors through a winding staircase of 450 steps that lead down into its mesmerizing depths, inviting exploration and wonder. Conversely, the Hell sinkhole presents a more challenging experience, requiring climbing equipment for those daring enough to venture into its depths, or it can be admired from a specially designed glass viewing platform.

Yet, the natural beauty of this region extends far beyond its sinkholes. Our final destination is the breathtaking Göksu Delta, an expansive basin covering 15,000 square kilometers where the Göksu River gracefully meets the azure waters of the Mediterranean. This wild and untamed wetland is recognized as one of 18 Special Environmental Protection Areas in Türkiye. It serves as a crucial stopover for approximately 350 bird species during their migration across the Levant, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

If you have a passion for birdwatching or simply wish to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, the Göksu Delta is undoubtedly a destination you should not miss.