Yenice, Tarsus

Geography

Yenice is a part of Tarsus district which in turn is a part of Mersin Province. It is in the extreme east of the province at 36°58′N 35°3′E . It is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Tarsus and 43 kilometres (27 mi) from Mersin. Mediterranean coast is about 30 kilometres (19 mi) to south. The population of the town was 8954 (2012 est.)

History

The village had been established in 1543 during Ottoman era by Oghuz Turks (Turkmens). The name of the town probably refers to a certain Yenice Bey who was a rebellious Turkmen chief lived in the first half of the 16th century. In the early years of the 19th century, the town was briefly occupied by the rebellious Mehmet Ali Pasha of Egypt. After the First World War, Yenice was shortly under France rule. (See Sykes–Picot Agreement ). But after the treaty of Ankara (20 October 1921) Yenice was conceded to Turkey.

During the Second World War, Turkish president İsmet İnönü met with British prime minister Winston Churchill in a railway carriage at Yenice Railway Station, to discuss Turkey’s role in the war. (30 January 1943) This meeting is usually and erroneously known as the Adana Conference.

In 1953 Yenice was declared a township.

Economy

The town is situated in a fertile plain which is known as Çukurova (or ancient Cicilia). It is approximately at the midpoint between Seyhan and Berdan rivers. The most important crop is cotton followed by, vegetables, citrus and wheat.There is also some light industry in Yenice.

Yenice is an important railway junction. (to Mersin in the west, to Adana in the east and to Ankara in the north) . It is also on the Çukurova Motorway. The airport of Adana is within 20 minutes distance and the newer airport Çukurova Airport which is under construction is close to the town. Port of Mersin is within the 45 minutes distance.