The aim of this study is the contextualization of urban growth and sprawl experienced in the coastal conurbation of Mersin in southern Turkey. For this purpose, an interdisciplinary approach has been developed by using methods of remote sensing and social sciences. The sample areas, identified by using a series of satellite images available for the period 1987-2009, have been examined using a multi-temporal change detection approach in combination with available statistics and on-site excursions in order to understand the pattern of development. What is evident from this study is that an interdisciplinary perspective on the examination of urban growth and sprawl provides us with timely results that can be employed in urban and regional planning activities.