OLBA-DIOCAESAREA

The most well-preserved historical ruins in Mersin, which is home to important ancient cities of the Mediterranean, are found in Uzuncaburc, 30 km north of Silifke. Uzuncaburc, the place of worship of the Olba Kingdom during the Hellenistic Period, became a new site under the domination of the Roman Empire, capable of printing money in its own name in 72 AD.

These unknown aspects of our cities and towns are both surprising and saddening. It is a pity that even the citizens do not know what a magnificent ancient city we have. However, this wealth has a tourism value that is enough to develop all locals. In the city, the Temple of Zeus, monumental tomb structures with bastions and pyramid roofs carry traces of Hellenistic Age, while the colonnaded street, theater, ceremony gate, ancient fountain, Temple of Luck and Victory Gate are known as Roman buildings. With the spread of Christianity in the region since the 5th century, the number of churches in the city increased. After the Byzantine, Turks who established domination in the region, named the city with the name of the high tower, and thus, the name of Uzuncaburç has reached today.