The Historical Cilicia Road Project, implemented by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality with the support of Mersin Governorship, Cilicia Road Protection and Sustenance Association and Mersin Zirve Mountaineering Specialized Sports Club, continues to bring together nature lovers and history enthusiasts in the unique landscape of the Taurus Mountains. By the Youth and Sports Services Department 'Let's Walk Towards History, Nature and Culture, Friends!' The new stop of the promotion walks organized with the slogan was the 10-kilometer Olba Stage, which stretches between Sömek and Kızılgeçit Neighborhoods of Silifke.
The medium difficulty level course was filled with great interest from participants. The walk among juniper, pine and cedar trees offered the opportunity to both integrate with nature and be one with history.
The meeting point of the past and the present
The Cilicia Road takes history and nature enthusiasts on a journey between the past and the present. These walks do not only involve physical progress; they also leave deep traces in cultural memory. Participants accumulate unforgettable memories by feeling the stories of ancient times, interacting with local people and witnessing the nature of the region. At the end of the walk, participants make an economic contribution to the region by shopping from the surrounding tradesmen. In this respect, the project goes beyond being just a nature activity and supports rural development.
An inclusive and participatory project
Another aspect of the project that stands out is the accessibility provided to the participants. The Metropolitan Municipality provides free shuttle service to the designated points for the participants, ensuring that everyone shares this unique experience. The social, economic and cultural impact of the walks creates a multifaceted benefit: Mersin is promoted, the Cilicia Road is recognized, and local tradesmen are supported.
Demir: “The Cilician Road is a project that will last for centuries”
Ali Rıza Demir, the President of Mersin Zirve Mountaineering Specialized Sports Club and Cilicia Road Protection and Sustenance Association, said that the promotional walks are continuing. Demir, “Today we are in Olba. We walked between Sömek and Kızılgeçit in Lamos. Participants see the beauties of nature and the road everywhere we go; they witness history and civilizations. We thank our Metropolitan Municipality. It did not just build and leave this road, it continues its promotional walks. First locally, then generally, we will bring this road to the place it deserves.” Demir added that the participants shopped from the tradesmen at the resting places and that this brought liveliness, “People got to know us, they got to know the Metropolitan Municipality. It is a very nice project. It is not a short-term, daily or one-year project, it is a project that will last for centuries. We are touching many places in this way. Among these are the most beautiful places in Mersin. We will introduce the beauties of our Mersin by walking with our people.” used expressions.
Sevci: “It is great that the Metropolitan Municipality organizes such events”
Rohat Sevci, one of the participants of the walk, stated that he did not know the Cilicia Road and learned about it thanks to the event, “When I heard that the Metropolitan Municipality was organizing such an event, I immediately registered. People from all age groups participated. This is my first experience. I did not know that there was a Cilicia Road before. It is a good thing that the Metropolitan Municipality creates such different routes and organizes different events. We know Mersin better.” he stated.
Takak: “They are introducing us to the beauties of Mersin with this organization”
Esma Takak, one of the participants, said that everyone should come and see the historical Cilicia Road.“I would like to thank Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and our Mayor Vahap Seçer for introducing us to the beauties and history of Mersin with this beautiful organization. We learned the beauties, nature and history of the Historical Cilicia Road that we had not seen or known. I recommend everyone to come and see it.” dedicate.
Derelioğlu: “We are exploring Mersin on foot”
Barin Sanlı said that he enjoyed the event, “It was a wonderful event. The support of the Metropolitan Municipality such as transportation and food supplies made our walk much easier. We, the youth, are getting to know Mersin better with the Cilicia Road Project. I would like to thank our President Vahap Seçer.” While another participant Özlem Derelioğlu used the expressions, “Today, we walked 10 kilometers of the Historical Cilicia Road with our nature-loving friends. In this way, we get to know and introduce the beauties of our surroundings. I recommend everyone to come and see this place. We are exploring Mersin on foot.” he stated.
Social media phenomenon Mehmet Cuci, known for his page 'A Traveler on the Road', “I am very happy to be in this organization. We want such organizations to become more widespread.” Cuci also thanked everyone for their support during the march.
