High-resolution shallow seismic reflection (Uniboom) and echosounding profiles obtained on the shelf and upper slope areas of Anamur Bay (Turkey, northeastern Mediterranean) were studied together with previous data on the onshore geology of the area to investigate the origin and related seismic stratigraphy of the submarine Anamur Canyon. It was found that the main axial trend of the submarine Anamur Canyon is aligned with the offshore projection of the N-S orientated, onshore Anamur thrust fault of Late Cretaceous (Senonian) to Early Tertiary age.