Mersin, also known as Içel, is one of the most modern provinces of the palm lined avenues, city park and modern hotels and a good base for visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches in the southeastern part of Turkey. Mersin is the largest port on the Turkish Mediterranean region, and with approximately 1 million of population. There is also a Free Trade Zone here and it is a business center. In Mersin you may find all the comforts of a modern city and all the characteristics of the Mediterranean cities. Fish is abundant as well as most delicious in this region and in the Mersin fish market you will find inexpensive fish restaurants which are really enjoyable for those who love fish and "Raki" or wine. Although Mersin dates only from the 19th century, it occupies an extremely ancient site. At Mount Yumuktepe the excavations proved that there had been twelve successive settlements beginning from the Neolithic Period.
Icel has also hunting, fishing, picnicking, mountaineering and caving attractions for sports fans. In June 2013, the 17th edition of the Mediterranean Games, known as the Olympics of the countries sitting around the Mediterranean Sea, is organized in Mersin.
Nearby districts to visit are Anamur, Silifke, and Tarsus which is the hometown of Saint Paul.