History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

Chapter 1. The Birth of a Legend

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

1.1. First settlements

More than 6,000 years ago, on the azure coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where lively Mersin lies today, silence reigned. Only the singing of birds and the sound of the wind disturbed the peace of this secluded corner. Here, protected from the vagaries of the elements, the legend of a powerful port was born, which was destined to witness grandiose events and play its role in the history of civilization.

The first traces of civilization on this land date back to the Bronze Age. The small settlement known as Zephyrion became a haven for sailors seeking refuge from storms. Over time, it developed into an important trade center connecting Cilicia with the rest of the world. Phoenician merchants, skilled sailors, laid out trade routes connecting Zephyrion with Egypt, Greece and other civilizations of the Mediterranean.

1.2. Phoenician merchants

The Phoenicians, a people renowned for their ingenuity and commercial spirit, played a key role in the development of Zephyrion. They not only developed the harbor and established trade with neighboring regions, but also brought their culture and achievements to the city. Thanks to the Phoenicians, Zephyrion became known as a center for the production of glass, purple paint and other handicrafts.

1.3. Port value

Zephyrion's geographical position on the Mediterranean coast made it a natural center of trade. Goods from different parts of the world flocked here and were then transported to other regions. The port of Zephyrion was known for its safety, which attracted merchants from all over Cilicia.

Chapter 2. Under the Shadow of Empires

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

2.1. Assyrian conquest

In the 7th century BC. Zephyrion was captured by the Assyrians, a powerful empire that was expanding in the region. The Assyrians renamed the city Irshu and made it the center of their province. Under their rule, the city flourished, becoming a center for textile production, metallurgy and winemaking. The skillfully woven carpets and skillfully worked metals from Irshu were highly valued in various parts of the empire. Assyrian kings decorated their palaces with carpets from Irshu, and warriors dressed in armor cast from local steel.

2.2. Rise of the city

During the period of Assyrian rule, Irshu experienced a period of rapid growth. The city walls were expanded and new temples and palaces were built. The city's population grew due to immigrants from other Assyrian provinces. Irshu became not only a center of trade and crafts, but also an important cultural center of Cilicia.

2.3. Famous natives

Many famous people were born and lived in Irshu, such as the philosopher Anaximander, the poet Pindar and the mathematician Archimedes. These people made a significant contribution to the development of science and culture of the ancient world.

Chapter 3. In a whirlwind of change

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

3.1. Macedonian conquest (333 BC)

In 333 BC. An avalanche of Macedonian conquest hit Cilicia. The great commander Alexander the Great, leading his army to the East, captured Zephyrion, renaming it Zephyry. The city witnessed great battles between the Macedonian army and the Persian forces, marking a new era in the history of the region.

3.2. Hellenistic period (333 BC - 641 AD)

After the death of Alexander the Great, Zephyry found himself part of the Hellenistic world. During this period the city underwent significant changes. The Greek language became generally accepted, and the city itself was decorated with monumental buildings in the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. Theatres, gymnasiums and libraries became centers of cultural life, where philosophy, art and science flourished. Outstanding poets, sculptors and philosophers worked in Zephyria, whose names went down in the history of the ancient world.

3.3. Significant events:

  • 333 BC: Conquest of Zephyria by Alexander the Great.
  • 301 BC: Battle of Ipsus, in which Seleucus I Nicator defeated Antigonus One-Eye, cementing Seleucid dominance over Cilicia.
  • 64 BC: Cilicia becomes a Roman province.
  • 47 AD: Julius Caesar visits Zephyria.
  • 115 AD: Roman Emperor Trajan visits Zephyria and orders reconstruction of the city.
  • 253 AD: Zephyria is destroyed by an earthquake.
  • 395 AD: Division of the Roman Empire, Zephyry falls into Byzantium.

Chapter 4. Roman domination

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

4.1. Rise of the city (64 BC - 395 AD)

After the collapse of the empire of Alexander the Great, Zephyry came under Roman control. They appreciated the strategic importance of the port and turned it into a major center of trade with the East. The city grew by leaps and bounds, adorning itself with majestic temples, baths and theaters. An amphitheater was built in Zephyria, where gladiator fights and other spectacles took place, attracting spectators from all over Cilicia.

4.2. Famous natives:

  • Cicero – Roman orator and statesman who lived in Zephyria during his exile.
  • Pavel Orozy – Roman historian who was born in Zephyria.

4.3. Significant events:

  • 64 BC: Pompey captures Cilicia, Zephyria becomes a Roman city.
  • 47 AD: Julius Caesar visits Zephyria.
  • 115 AD: Roman Emperor Trajan visits Zephyria and orders reconstruction of the city.
  • 253 AD: Zephyria is destroyed by an earthquake.

Chapter 5. Glimpses of Byzantium

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

5.1. Christian period (395 AD - 641 AD)

In 395 AD. Zephyry, the shining pearl of Cilicia, found himself in the arms of Byzantium. Under the shadow of the new empire, the city flourished, becoming a stronghold of Christianity. Majestic cathedrals and monasteries decorated its streets, and mosaics and frescoes told stories from the Holy Scriptures.

5.2. Famous Events:

  • 395 AD: Division of the Roman Empire, Zephyry falls into Byzantium.
  • 431 AD: Bishop Zephyrias participates in the First Council of Ephesus.
  • 532 AD: Nika's revolt in Constantinople, Zephyrios remains loyal to Emperor Justinian I.
  • 551 AD: An earthquake destroys part of the city.
  • 565 AD: Justinian I restores the city and renames it Anastasiopolis.
  • 641 AD: Conquest of Cilicia by the Arabs.

5.3. Famous natives:

  • John Moschus – Byzantine monk and writer, author of “The Spiritual Meadow.”
  • Sophronius of Jerusalem - Patriarch of Jerusalem, fighter against monothelitism.

5.4. Cultural life:

 Zephyrios was the center of Byzantine culture and education.
 There were numerous schools, libraries and monasteries in the city.
 Zephyry was famous for his icon painters and mosaic artists.

Chapter 6. In the whirlpool of history

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

6.1. Arab conquest (641 AD)

In 641 AD. Zephyria was conquered by the Arabs. The city, renamed Mamisa, became part of the Arab Caliphate. The Arabs brought with them a new religion - Islam - and a new culture.

6.2. Abbasid period (750 AD - 1250 AD)

During the reign of the Abbasid dynasty (750 AD - 1250 AD), Mamisa experienced its heyday. The city became an important trading center on the Silk Road.

6.3. Crusades (1095 AD - 1291 AD)

The Crusades, which took place from 1095 AD. to 1291 AD, also affected Mamisa. In 1142 the city was captured by the Crusaders, but in 1144 it was recaptured by the Muslims.

6.4. Mongol conquest (1250 AD)

In 1250 AD. Mamisa was conquered by the Mongols. The city was destroyed and its population killed.

6.5. Mamluk period (1260 AD - 1517 AD)

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

In 1260 AD. Mamisa was conquered from the Mongols by the Mamluks. The city was restored, but did not reach its former greatness.

6.6. Significant events:

  • 641 AD: Conquest of Cilicia by the Arabs.
  • 750 AD: The Abbasid dynasty comes to power.
  • 1095 AD: The First Crusade begins.
  • 1142 AD: Conquest of Mamisa by the Crusaders

Chapter 7. Revival and flourishing

7.1. Ottoman Empire (1517 AD - 1923 AD)

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

In 1517 A.D. Mamisa was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The city, renamed Mersin, became the center of the sanjak as part of the province of Cilicia.

7.2. Reform period (1808 AD - 1908 AD)

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

During the reform period (1808 AD - 1908 AD), Mersin experienced a period of renaissance. The city was modernized, new roads, schools and hospitals were built.

7.3. Opening of the Suez Canal (1869 AD)

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

Opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 AD. became a turning point in the history of Mersin. The city became an important trading center on the route from Europe to Asia.

7.4. Growth and Development (1869 AD - 1923 AD)

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

During this period, Mersin grew and developed rapidly. The city's population increased several times. New enterprises, banks and trading houses appeared in Mersin.

7.5. Significant events:

  • 1517 AD: Conquest of Cilicia by the Ottoman Empire.
  • 1808 AD: Beginning of the reform period in the Ottoman Empire.
  • 1832 AD: The first post office is opened in Mersin.
  • 1869 AD: Suez Canal opens.
  • 1883 AD: The first railway was built in Mersin.
  • 1898 AD: The first bank is opened in Mersin.
  • 1908 AD: Young Turk Revolution.

Chapter 8. XX century

History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day
History of Mersin: From Antiquity to the Present Day

8.1. World War I (1914 AD - 1918 AD)

The First World War (1914 AD - 1918 AD) was a difficult test for Mersin. The city was occupied by French troops.

8.2. Turkish War of Independence (1919 AD - 1923 AD)

In 1919 AD The war of independence began in Turkey. Mersin became one of the centers of resistance to the occupiers.

8.3. Republic of Turkey (1923 AD - AD)

After the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 AD. Mersin continued to develop. The city became an important industrial and commercial center in Turkey.

8.4. Significant events:

  • 1914 AD: The First World War begins.
  • 1918 AD: Occupation of Mersin by French troops.
  • 1919 AD: Beginning of the Turkish War of Independence.
  • 1923 AD: Proclamation of the Turkish Republic.
  • 1939 AD: The first cement plant is built in Mersin.
  • 1954 AD: Turkey's first synthetic rubber plant opens in Mersin.

Chapter 9. Mersin today

9.1. Modern metropolis

Today Mersin is a modern metropolis with a population of more than 2 million people. The city is one of the most important economic centers in Turkey. Industry, trade, tourism and education are developed here.

9.2. Cultural life

Mersin is a city with a rich cultural life. There are many museums, theaters, libraries and other cultural institutions. The city annually hosts festivals, concerts and other cultural events.

9.3. Tourist centre

Mersin is an attractive tourist destination. There are beautiful beaches, historical sites, natural beauty and much more.

9.4. Significant events:

  • 1978 AD: The first university is built in Mersin.
  • 1987 AD: Mersin International Airport opened.
  • 2001 AD: A new seaport is built in Mersin.
  • 2010 AD: Mersin became the capital of the Mediterranean Games.

9.5. The future of Mersin

Mersin is a city with a great future. The city continues to develop and become more and more attractive for residents and guests of Turkey.

Conclusion

Mersin is a city with a long history. Over its history, it has experienced many ups and downs. Today Mersin is a modern metropolis, which is one of the most important economic and cultural centers of Turkey.

Следующее сообщение

Mersin Attractions: Anazarbus - Roman Pearl of Cilicia

Join The Discussion

Список сравнений

Сравнить
en_USEN