What Being from Mersin Has Given Me
Mersin is a unique city, with its people, structure, and nature. I say this not only because I am from Mersin but also because I know the city well. Its cosmopolitan nature and the convergence of people from different civilizations have greatly contributed to my cultural and personal growth. Every inch of this land is beautiful, but being born in Mersin has taught me to live closely with people and to understand key aspects of human nature.
Growing up, whether it was the small corner store I went to or the neighbor across the street, we lived in a deep sense of sincerity and mutual aid. The people of Mersin that I knew were first and foremost kind-hearted. I learned at a young age just how noble the concept of goodness is. In summary, Mersin for me is the scent of my childhood, both of the land and its people.
Explore the World, But Start with Our Ancestral Lands
My biggest advice to young people has always been to focus on our ancestral lands. If you can, I’d say explore every corner of your own country first, then venture abroad. If we look at this specifically in terms of Mersin, the main reason is its architectural beauty and natural wonders. Seeing places like Kızkalesi (Maiden’s Castle) or Yerköprü Waterfall—among many others I could list—will enrich your cultural knowledge in ways you can’t imagine.
If you listen to Türkiye’s most esteemed historians talk about the structures in our country, you’ll notice they always mention Mersin. If you ever find yourself there, my biggest recommendation, of course, is to see the historical sites. But even just walking along Mersin’s beautiful coastline and chatting with the locals will give you a memory where you’ll say, I’m so glad I went and saw it.
Mersin is Still a Joy Inside Me
Everyone loves their hometown, but my passion for Mersin is on another level. I currently live in Istanbul, and I love it here too, but when I know I’m going to visit Mersin, I get as excited as a child and start counting down the days. Of course, with each visit, I witness the city’s changes and transformation, but the Mersin I know stays somewhere in my heart, and it feels like people there continue living with the same warmth. You might ask, The city is changing, but people aren’t? And you’d be right. But not every change is negative—if you see the bad sides of the world and seek refuge in the goodness within you, sometimes change can make you a better person. Additionally, I must mention that Mersin’s flavors will leave such an impression on your palate that you’ll become addicted!
Being from Mersin means being warm-hearted, being both Anatolian and Mediterranean, appreciating the value of nature and history, and falling in love with the beauty of green and blue. Everyone loves their hometown, but we Mersin natives are also people who take great pride in our homeland!
