19. Yuzyil Mersin Kiliseleri

158 pp, color figures, pb, in Turkish.

The main dynamic of the development of Mersin city, which was established after the proclamation of the Tanzimat edict in 1839, is the commercial privileges which was given to foreign population with this edict. By opening the Adana-Mersin highvvay in 1885 and Adana-Mersin railvvay in 1886 and by expanding Mersin dock the commercial life in Mersin was quickened and it contributed to the emigration to Mersin. Thus, Greeks and Armenians from Anatolia, Kapadokia, Cyprus and is-lands; Marunies, Arab Orthodox and Catholics from Syria, Lebanon and Egypt settled in Mersin and mostly got in to the international sea commercial business.
In the course of time, each congregation built buildings according to their religious rituals in the city. Among these buildings, four in Tarsus, three in Mersin center and four in Silifke have been col-lapsed. But, on the other hand, three in Tarsus, fıve in Mersin center, one Aydıncık and and also in Silifke have been preserved . Today, among these four are used as a mosque, two as a church, one as a memorial museum and others as a depot.
Evaluating in terms of planning, Maruni Church (Nusratiye Mosque), Mikhael and Gabriel Ortho-dox Church, Saint Nicholas Church (Osmaniya Mosque), Saint Grigor Lusavorich Church (Arme-nian Eastern Orthodox) in Mersin center; Taşucu Church in Silifke; Maruni Church with single aisle in Tarsus; Mersin Latin Catholic Church (Saint Antuan Church); Tarsus, Saint Paulus Church and İskiliç Village Church are basilica planned churches with three aisles.
Churches in Mersin center and peripheral, vvhich are generally dated to the second half of 19th century, form an important group vvhich reflect the local architectural characteristics and common fashion during the period they are built.