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The city of Mersin, once known as İ'el, is situated in along the eastern Mediterranean shores of Turkey. It is considered an important part of the cradle of civilization. The region has been dominated by many empires ever since the Neolithic period (6300 B.C.), each leaving signs of their inhabitance. Some of the people that have spanned this region include the Calcholithic, Hittite, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Besides its position along major trading routes and its natural harbor, the city was a major producer of molybdenum (white lead) and even minted its own coins. Its location has led it to become extremely rich in history and culture.

Being a port city in the cradle of civilization meant that this city has unique historical significance. During the Ancient Greek period, the city was named Zephyrion. One famous geographer called the region Cilicia, dividing it in two parts: rugged Cilicia and flat Cilicia. The capital of both Cilicias was Tarsus, and Mersin was then the gateway to Tarsus.

The province of Tarsus is of particular interest as many important historical figures have made their mark on this region. Mark Antony and Cleopatra met in Tarsus in 42 B.C. He was so enchanted by her that he gave the lands between Alanya and Mersin to Cleopatra as a marriage gift shortly thereafter. It was here that they made their feasts while together constructing a fleet for the battle of Actium. In this battle, Mark Antony sought unsuccessfully to regain control of the Roman Empire. This region became part of the Roman Empire in 66 B.C. and lost some of its luster as the main trading posts had then moved to Constantinople. Another significant figure to have played a role in the region was Saint Paul, born Paul of Tarsus in 9 A.D. He took refuge several times in this city after his conversion to Christianity.

This region was always highly disputed and was constantly switching rule. It remained in Roman hands until the Arabs invaded the area in the seventh century, where they remained until 965 B.C. when it was annexed to the Byzantine Empire. It remained under Byzantine control for nearly a century. The crusaders captured it from the Turks in 1097, although failed to keep power. The region was disputed by the Latins, Greeks, and Armenians and became territory of the Armenians until about 1360 when the Muslims gained control. The city was conquered by the Ottomans in 1473 and remained so until the beginning of the world wars.

More recently, during the American Civil War, the region became a major supplier of cotton due to the shortage in the United States. This led to the extension of the railroad from Adana to Mersin in 1866 where cotton was exported by sea. The city then grew into a major port city and trade center. During World War I, British and French troops gained control of the city, which was soon after liberated by the Turkish army.

Nowadays the city thrives on its port activities and tourism. There is a publicly owned free trade zone established in Mersin (the first established in Turkey), which is a busy center for investors, with international transportation nearby. The town is also surrounded by resorts and over 108 kilometers of spectacular beaches. They are popular because of their thin sand, cleanliness and excellent location for underwater hunting. There are plenty of ruins to visit, as well as historic mosques and public bathhouses with interesting mosaics.

Mersin is a historically and culturally diverse city. Its location along the ancient trading routes and proximity to so many powerful empires led many important figures to cross through. It is no wonder that this land was so disputed. Added to its natural Mediterranean beauty, its this makes Mersin a city of great historical importance worth visitors' awe and respect.