Tarsus

Tarsus, situated on Turkey's eastern Mediterranean coast, east of the town of Mersin, is a junction point of land and sea routes connecting the fertile Cukurova Plain (Cilician Plain) with central Anatolia and the Mediterranean Sea. Tarsus has a long history of commerce and is still a thriving industrial and commercial center today.

Industries include agricultural machinery, fruit-processing, textiles, brick building and ceramics. Apart from its modern outlook, Tarsus has several monuments of ancient origin left. Although Tarsus was invaded and destroyed several times, the Roman-era Cleopatra's Gate, St. Paul's Well, an Old Mosque (Eski Cami) have been preserved. Archeological excavations of the Roman-era Old City (Antik Sehir), as well as the Tarsus Museum housed in a 16th-century theological seminary (medrese) bring about the mixed look of Tarsus. Moreover, anyone with an interest in biblical history will find Tarsus interesting since it is the birthplace of St. Paul who made multiple journeys through Anatolia to spread the Christian religion. Waterfalls, tiny streams and shaded trees at the Tarsus Walls on the outskirts of town bring about the unique atmosphere in Tarsus.