ISKENDERUN
Iskenderun is now a busy commercial centre and an important port
of Turkey on the Mediterranean
region. Once called Alexandretta, it was founded by Alexander the Great
after his victory over the Persians. Iskenderun has an active, modern life
with good hotels, restaurants and cafes among the palm trees by the Mediterranean
sea, in a fine location on the shores of a deep bay and at the foot of
high Amanos Mountains. The cuisine of Iskenderun
is delicious, especially "Kunefe", a desert
with cheese in it and eaten hot. Make sure to taste it. The best prawns
can also be found here.
To the south of Iskenderun there is Ulucmar (Arsuz), a historical place
and holiday town on the coast. You will benefit from the beautiful sandy
beaches, sea and sun while you may do some water sports as well in one of
the hotels or guest houses in a quiet atmosphere. As a contrast, on the
way to Antakya there is mountain resort of Sogukoluk,
which gives a good opportunity in summer months for a quite holiday.
On the way to Adana, you will pass through the
large areas of fruit groves which provide all the orange, tangerine, and
lemon needs of the whole country. Dortyol (the plain of Issos) is where
Alexander the Great won over Darius II and
Persians in 330 BC. In nearby Osmaniye there is a fortress at Toprakkale built by the Crusaders
which is still impressive.
Nearby Iskenderun is Yakacik (Poyas) which preserves a splendid example
of Ottoman architecture
dating back to the 16th century; the Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Complex with a
mosque, bath, bazaar,
caravanserai, and medresse
in it.