Tarsus: Ancient Traces and Religious History

Tarsus can be explored through very different traces of its history: an ancient street with visible wagon tracks, the ornate Ulu Camii, and sites associated with St. Paul each offer a distinct focus. Archaeological cultural layers and an ancient city gate also form part of the city’s character. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether you are most interested in architecture, archaeology, or religious history.

Architecture and Religious History

Ulu Camii is a significant work of Turkish-Islamic art. Its architecture and rich, colorful marble decorations shape the impression the building makes; the mihrab, pulpit, and imperial gallery are also made of marble. The adjoining türbe contains the tomb of Caliph Mamun, the maqam sites of Şit and Lokman, and the tomb of the order’s sheikh, Şeyh Muhammed Hasan. Architecture and religious significance thus come together at this site.

Another mosque in central Tarsus is known as Cami-i Nur and is also considered an outstanding work of Turkish-Islamic art. Ulu Camii and Cami-i Nur therefore offer an opportunity to explore different buildings from this artistic tradition while learning about Tarsus. If you are particularly interested in designed interiors, Ulu Camii has specific features to discover, such as its marble mihrab, pulpit, and imperial gallery; the name Cami-i Nur represents a distinct cultural reference in the city center.

Kırkkaşık Bedesten is also one of the city’s historic buildings. İbrahim Bey, son of Piri Paşa of the Ramazanoğulları principality, had it built in 1579. The builder’s name, his family connection, and the year place the building in a specific historical period. Together with the mosques, the Bedesten offers a way to explore various examples of Tarsus’s Turkish-Islamic history.

Ancient Traces in the Cityscape

Despite its wear, the ancient street in the center has largely retained its ancient appearance. The visible wagon tracks are especially vivid evidence that the street once served local traffic. The focus here is therefore not only on an old street route, but also on concrete evidence of how it was used at the time. Those interested in archaeology can connect this impression with the finds at Gözlü Kule mound: its 33 cultural layers span the period from the Early Neolithic to the Islamic eras.

West of Tarsus, on the road to Mersin, stands Cleopatra’s Gate. It is the only ancient city gate still standing today. Its particular significance lies in its survival among the city’s ancient gates. Its location west of Tarsus gives the gate a different geographical context from the ancient street in the center and Gözlü Kule mound.

Sites of St. Paul and a Different Travel Focus

The St. Paul’s Well is in central Tarsus, in the Kızılmurat district. It is considered the place where St. Paul was born and lived. Excavations at the well uncovered cultural layers dating back to the period in which Paul lived. The well thus connects religious tradition with an archaeological point of reference. Christians visit the St. Paul Memorial Museum as a pilgrimage center. If you make these themes the focus of your trip, the well’s location in Kızılmurat gives you a specific point of reference when searching for a holiday apartment in Tarsus.

The İpekyolu Etabı adds another dimension: it describes a peaceful, history-filled journey from Tarsus toward the Taurus Mountains. Its theme differs from the city’s buildings and archaeological traces. When deciding on your trip, you can therefore consider whether you primarily want to explore the historic sites in Tarsus or also include this described travel route in your plans.

For other destinations, you can find Erdemli, Gülnar, Kizkalesi, Tekeli Belediyesi, Ayaştürkmenli, Silifke, Ayaş, and Burunucu here.

Erdemli, Gülnar, Kizkalesi, Tekeli Belediyesi, Ayaştürkmenli, Silifke, Ayaş and Burunucu.

For the broader travel overview: Mersin.