ANAMUR | Realize the Beauty of Anamur   

Anamur is town and district of the province of Mersin that is located on the Mediterranean coast of Southern Turkey. Anamur is between Alanya and the city of Mersin. It has a remarkable fortress, unpacked beaches and a Byzantine ghost town. The old city of Anamur is surrounded by walls that comprises of churches, ancient theaters, cemeteries, Odeon and colorful mosaics. It is a coastal resort which is famous for its bananas and peanuts. Today, Anamur’s local economy depends on agriculture most especially on bananas and strawberries. 40% of Turkey’s strawberries production comes here in Anamur. This is the only part of Turkey that can sustain bananas because of its weather that is suitable in growing this kind of plant.

But there are also tropical fruits that are being planted in here such as pineapples, papaya and avocados. One of the tourist sites here in Anamur is the Fortress of Mamure. It was built by the Romans and refurbished during the Ottoman’s and Seljuk period. Ottomans built a fine tower on its eastern side which gives a more suggestive view of the castle. And from the western side view of the castle you will see rocks upon the fortress where it was initially built. It shows off 36 towers, three courtyards, moat and an old mosque.

The deep moat fulfilled the defense of the castle from the enemy. The Fortress of Mamure is situated on Anamur-Icel highway. There was an inscription written above the only entrance of the castle by the Emir of Karaman, stating that ‘I brought the water, I rebuild the castle.’ Anemurium is one of sites that Anamur is proud of. It is the vestiges of the ancient city of Anamur that was built 400 BC and 400 AD.

The walls of the city that was made up of stones are still partially intact and the mosaics can still also be seen. The theater is still there and the two-storey Roman bathhouse provides an impression of what it was during its halcyon days. The bathhouse has changing rooms, a warm and hot section and a hall with pool. There is a sign written in Latin that says "Welcome to the baths and a have a good bath." And as the remains of the aqueducts, the city has complex water supply system. You can also find an acropolis that holds the remains of the palace which has its own water supply.

And surrounding the city walls, there are funeral temples which have small entrance gate for its visitors. The cave of Kosekbuku is also an interesting place to visit here in Anamur. It is located in the area of Ovabasi. This is a fascinating place for its stalagmites and stalactites. This cave has become prepared for tourism that was recognized to heal asthma. And even though Anamur has no large scale of tourism, there are places historical interests, beautiful beaches and clean and pure sea that are waiting to be unveiled and discovered. Once discover the beauty it has to offer, you will be surprise for its scenic natural setting and the treasure of its historical ruins.