Gulf of Alexandretta

The Gulf of Alexandretta forms the easternmost great inlet of the Mediterranean. It takes its name from the port of Alexandretta on its southeastern shore, while the Nur Mountains rise along the coast behind it. In antiquity the gulf was known for Issus and Myriandus, cities near its shores. From the ninth to the twelfth century it was also called the Armenian Gulf, a name reflecting the Armenian presence and the rise of Armenian rule in Cilicia.