Tarsus, Turkey
Region: Mersin
Geographic Coordinates: 36.916500, 34.895100
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Population: 339676
Language: Turkish
Tarsus is a historic city located in the Mersin Province of Turkey. It is situated on the banks of the Berdan River and is known for its rich cultural heritage, Stunning architecture, And historical significance. The city has been inhabited since ancient times and was an important center for trade, Religion, And education. One of the most notable landmarks in Tarsus is the Cleopatra Gate, Which dates back to Roman times. This impressive structure was once part of a larger complex that included a temple dedicated to Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Today, Visitors can still see remnants of this temple as well as other ancient ruins scattered throughout the city. Another must-see attraction in Tarsus is St. Paul’s Well. According to legend, This well was where St. Paul drank water before his conversion to Christianity. The well itself is believed to be over 2000 years old and has been preserved as a sacred site by local residents. For those interested in history or archaeology, Tarsus also boasts several museums that showcase artifacts from various periods throughout its long history.
One such museum is the Tarsus Museum which houses exhibits detailing the city’s Roman past including mosaics, Sculptures and other artifacts. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Tarsus also offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation thanks to its location near both mountains and sea. Visitors can hike through nearby forests or take a dip in one of many nearby beaches along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. no visit to Tarsus would be complete without sampling some traditional Turkish cuisine at one of many local restaurants or cafes scattered throughout town.
From savory kebabs to sweet baklava pastries there are plenty of delicious dishes waiting for visitors eager to try something new. Overall, Tarsus offers something for everyone with its stunning architecture, Historical landmarks, Outdoor recreation opportunities, And delicious cuisine. Its combinationof natural beautyand rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Turkey.
- Saint Paul’s Well is believed to be the birthplace of St. Paul, the apostle.
- Cleopatra Gate is an ancient gate from the Roman period named after Queen Cleopatra.
- The Tarsus Museum displays artifacts from different periods in Tarsus’ history.
- St. Paul’s Church is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians and was built in honor of St. Paul.
- The Tarsus Waterfall provides a scenic location for visitors to relax and enjoy nature on the outskirts of town.
- Mersin Marina offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and features numerous restaurants and cafes just a short drive from Tarsus.
- The Ancient City Of Soli Pompeipolis, located outside of Tarsus, dates back to Hellenistic times and boasts well-preserved ruins such as an amphitheater, agora, and temple complex.
- Kizkalesi Castle sits along the coast near Tarsus and dates back to medieval times; it provides panoramic views of the sea below.
- Taşköprü (Stone Bridge) was built during Roman times over Berdan River which flows through central Turkey.
- Cleopatra Beach is a beautiful beach situated 20 km west from Mersin on Mediterranean Coast.
- Agriculture
- Citrus fruits
- Olives
- Cotton
- Textile
- Clothing
- Fabrics
- Yarns
- Construction
- Tourism
- Cleopatra Gate
- St Paul’s Well
- Tarsus Museum
- Manufacturing
- Machinery parts for agriculture equipment
- Textiles machinery
- Trading & Commerce
- Wholesale markets
- Goods ranging from vegetables & fruits to textiles & garments
- Education
- Several universities
- Education programs ranging from engineering to business studies
- Healthcare services
- Modern hospitals equipped with advanced medical technology
- Providing quality healthcare services to residents of the region
- Tarsus is most famously known as the birthplace of St. Paul, one of the most important figures in early Christianity and author of many books in the New Testament.
- Tarsus was an important city during the Roman Empire, serving as a hub for trade and commerce in Asia Minor.
- Tarsus is also famous for being the site where Cleopatra met with Mark Antony, which marked a turning point in their relationship.
- The ancient king Mithridates VI was born near Tarsus and spent much of his time there during his reign over Pontus.
- During ancient times, Tarsus was plagued by Cilician pirates who would raid ships passing through its port.
- During World War I, thousands of Armenians were deported from Tarsus by Ottoman authorities as part of the Armenian Genocide.
- Today, Tarsus is a bustling city known for its agricultural production and cultural heritage sites such as Saint Paul’s Church and Cleopatra Gate.
- Aristotle visited Tarsis twice to study biology.
- Tarsus Museum is a repository of historical artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history of Tarsus. The collection includes Roman and Byzantine relics.
- St. Paul’s Well is believed to be the place where St. Paul was lowered into by his followers to evade persecution.
- Cleopatra Gate, an ancient gate from the Roman era, bears Cleopatra’s name as she reportedly passed through it during her visit to Tarsus.
- The Grand Mosque of Tarsus is an Ottoman-era mosque that boasts intricate architectural details and stunning design elements.
- Saint Paul’s Church is a thousand-year-old church located in the heart of Tarsus, serving as a testament to its rich religious heritage.
- Mersin Marina, situated just a short drive away from Tarsus, offers visitors breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea along with various restaurants and stores.
- Karboğazı Waterfall in nearby Karboğazı village provides visitors with peaceful surroundings and respite from city life with its serene ambiance.
- Gözlükule Hill is an ancient hilltop settlement dating back over 5,000 years offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that are nothing short of breathtaking!
- Tarsus is a city in Mersin Province, Turkey that has a strong sports culture.
- Football and basketball are the most popular sports in Tarsus.
- Several amateur football clubs are based in Tarsus, including:
- Tarsus İdman Yurdu, founded in 1922
- Tarsusspor, founded in 1997
- Tarsus İdman Yurdu has played at both amateur and professional levels, winning regional championships but never playing in the top tier of Turkish football.
- Tarsusspor quickly rose through the ranks to play at the third tier of Turkish football.
- Adana ASKİ Spor Kulübü is the only professional basketball team based in Tarsus.
- Adana ASKİ Spor Kulübü represents not only Tarsus but also nearby cities like Mersin or Osmaniye.
- Adana ASKİ Spor Kulübü plays their home games at Edip Buran Sport Hall, located within walking distance from central area of the city.
- Despite its relatively small size compared to other cities like Istanbul or Ankara, Tarsus has a significant sports culture.
- Many local amateur clubs compete across various disciplines throughout different leagues within Turkey’s national sporting system.
- Tarsus International Film Festival
- Tarsus Camel Wrestling Festival
- Tarsus Cherry Festival
- Tarsus Watermelon Festival
- Tarsus Orange Blossom Carnival
- Mevlana Cultural and Artistic Activities Week
- Mersin International Music Festival (held in nearby Mersin, but attracts visitors from Tarsus)
- Tarsus Book Fair
- Saint Paul’s Yearly Commemoration Ceremony
- Turkish National Sovereignty and Children’s Day Celebrations
- Tarsus Kebap Evi – known for its delicious kebabs and Turkish meze dishes.
- Köfteci Ali Usta – famous for its juicy meatballs (köfte) served with traditional side dishes.
- Sarioglu Baklava – a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth, serving some of the best baklava in town.
- Kervan Sofrası – offering a diverse menu of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, including seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.
- Şahin Usta Pide Salonu – specializing in pide (Turkish pizza), this restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike.
- Mersin Balıkçısı – located near the coast, this seafood restaurant serves fresh fish caught daily from the Mediterranean Sea.
- Güney Restaurant & Cafe – offering panoramic views of Tarsus from its rooftop terrace, this restaurant serves traditional Turkish dishes with a modern twist.
- Tarsus Waterfall Park: This park is situated close to the city center and boasts a picturesque waterfall, picnic spots, walking trails, as well as playgrounds.
- Mersin Zoo: Located just outside of Tarsus in the neighboring city of Mersin, this zoo showcases a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and more.
- Tarsus City Park: This spacious park is located near the city center and offers walking paths, picnic areas and a lake with paddle boats for rent.
- Gözlükule Archaeological Site: This ancient archaeological site comprises ruins from various civilizations throughout history including Hellenistic Greek and Roman periods.
- Karabucak Forest Recreation Area: Located on the outskirts of Tarsus near Mount Amanos this area provides hiking trails through forests with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Adana-Mersin Beaches: The beaches along this stretch of coastline offer swimming opportunities as well as water sports such as windsurfing or kiteboarding for those looking for more adventurous activities.
