Mut

Mut is an inland district town in central Mersin Province, located in the Göksu River valley in the Taurus Mountains. Its origins trace back to the Hittite period and it later became the Roman city of Claudiopolis. The centrally located Mut Castle, whose current form dates largely to the Karamanid Beylik and Ottoman periods, withstood a costly 1228 siege by the Karamanid ruler Yakup Bey before eventually falling to and being rebuilt by the Karamanids, then repaired again under Ottoman rule after 1466. Mut is also the gateway to the 5th-century Byzantine complex at Alahan, one of the most important early Byzantine sites in Asia Minor.

By Plane

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport (ADA IATA) about 160 km east.

By Car / Road

On the D715, 80 km north of Silifke via the mountain road.

Walkable.

• Alahan Monastery — 5th-century Byzantine monastery complex high in the mountains, a spectacular site.

• Mut Castle — Fortress of Hittite/Roman origin, rebuilt by the Karamanid Beylik and later repaired under Ottoman rule; site of a notable 1228 siege.

• Historic houses — Traditional stone architecture.

• Monastery visit — Alahan Monastery is one of the best-preserved Byzantine monasteries in Turkey.

• Mountain scenery — Photography and walks.

Mountain cuisine.

Tea houses.

Basic guesthouses.

Local produce.

• Silifke — 80 km south.
• Karaman — 70 km north.
• Anamur — 100 km southwest.